Wellknown Kannada poet HS Venkateshmurthy no more

BENGALURU: Wellknown Kannnada poet H S Venkateshmurthy, who had authored numerous literary works, passed away at a private hospital in the city at 7 am on Friday due to age-related illnesses.

Venkateshmurthy was hospitalised a few days ago and his condition did not improve despite medical attention. The mortal remains were kept at the Ravindra Kalakshetra from 11 am to 2 pm for the public to pay their last respects. The last rites were conducted at the TR Mill crematorium.

Deeply saddened by the passing of Kannada poet and writer Prof. H.S. Venkatesha Murthy alias H.S.V.

Known for his heartfelt verses and literary brilliance, he beautifully captured human emotions through his words.

His loss is a great void in Kannada literature. May his soul… pic.twitter.com/0ywUwGkC9C

— Yaduveer Wadiyar (@yaduveerwadiyar) May 30, 2025

Popularly known as HSV, the poet was born at Hodigere in Channagiri taluk on June 23, 1944 into a middle class family. He joined St Joseph’s Commerce College in Bengaluru as a lecturer in 1973 and retired in 2000.

Among those who paid their last respects included actors Sridhar and Chikkanna, director T S Nagabharana, lyricist Jayant Kaikini and Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi. The minister said full state honours were given to the poet.

ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯದ ಮೇರು ಸಾಹಿತಿ ಡಾ. ಎಚ್ ಎಸ್ ವೆಂಕಟೇಶ ಮೂರ್ತಿ ಅವರು ನಿಧನರಾಗಿದ್ದು ತಿಳಿದು ದುಃಖವಾಯಿತು.

ಎಲ್ಲ ಪ್ರಕಾರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ ಸೇವೆ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದ ಎಚ್ ಎಸ್ ವಿ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಶಾಂತಿ ಸಿಗಲಿ. ಅವರ ಬಂಧುಗಳಿಗೆ ದುಃಖವನ್ನು ಸಹಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಶಕ್ತಿಯನ್ನು ಭಗವಂತ ನೀಡಲಿ.#ಸದ್ಗತಿ #HSVenkateshmurthy pic.twitter.com/aKBRWbnMGh

— HK Patil (@HKPatilINC) May 30, 2025

Upasana Mohan, a close aide of Venkateshmurthy, said he had been suffering from 4th stage prostrate cancer for the last one year and had been suffering immensely for the last 15 days. He was admitted to the hospital a week ago, Mohan added.

Among those who condoled the poet’s death included Dr Narahalli Balasubramanya, actor Srinath, writer Baragur Ramachandrappa, Lahari Velu of Lahari Recording Company and Union minister H D Kumaraswamy.

Venkateshmurthy has authored poetry, plays, novels, children’s literature, criticisms of translations among other works. His translation of ‘Kalidanasa Rutusamhara’ won him the Central Sahitya Akademi award. He had also won the Karnataka Sahitya Academy award, Rajyotsava award, Akashvani national award among others.