Veteran actor, playwright Girish Karnad passes away at the age of 81

Famous playwright, actor and filmmaker Girish Karnad breathed his last in Bengaluru on Monday (June 10) at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. The veteran known for his immense contribution to the Indian cinema and theater died of multiple organ failure early morning today. Karnad was conferred with the Jnanpith Award which is said to be India’a highest literary prize in the year 1999 for his contribution in the field of literature and theater.

Karnad began his journey in 1970 in the Kannad film Samakara, that also won the first President’s Golden Lotus Award for Kannada cinema. He went on to make masterclass films and garnered praise and love from various industries. The veteran actor also hosted a weekly science program on Doordarshan titled Turning Point. In the year 1974 he was awarded the Padma Shri and in 1992 the Government of India conferred him with Padma Bhushan, the highest civilian honour for his contribution in the field of arts. The actor in Bollywood was last seen in Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer Tiger Zinda Hai.

Apart from the film and theater world, the actor also was an active voice against violence against writers and journalists in India. Karnad is survived by his wife Saraswathi, a son and a daughter. We at CineBlitz offer our condolences to the family.