Master Hirannaiah
Master Hirannaiah passes away.

Veteran Kannada actor and theatre artist, Master Hirannaiah passed away on Wednesday, 2 May. He was suffering from age-related ailments. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Bengaluru at the age of 85 and survived by his wife and five children. 

He was born to K Hirannaiah, who is considered as a pioneer in theatre and a 'Cultured Comedian', in 1934 in Mysuru. He took over the reins of K.Hirannaiah Mitra Mandali, founded by his father in 1953, after his death. 

Lanchavathara, Nadu Beedhi Narayana and Brushtachara were some of his popular plays. He also acted in over 30 films that include Chor Guru Chandal Shishya, Operation Antha, Harakeya Kuri, No 73, Shanthi Nivasa, and Hudgeer Saar Hudgeeru.

Among the plays, it was Lanchavathara which made him a household name among Kannadigas as fiercely took on the corruption. This play had over 12,000 shows across the globe. His way of using humour and satire to throw light on the serious societal issues earned him huge fan following. 

Not just on corruption, his plays dealt with social evils like dowry, casteism, etc. The veteran preferred theatre to cinema as he could express his views without censorship. Interestingly, his Lanchavatara came under the wrath of the Congress government in 1963 as it attempted to ban the play..

Master Hirannaiah believed in the philosophy that the world is a stage run by the God and each one of us should play their roles as per their abilities. In his lifetime, he won innumerable awards that include Dr. Gubbi Veeranna award in 1998.

Sandalwood celebrities and politicians have expressed their condolence over his death. Their messages can be read below:

Kichcha Sudeepa: #SirMasterHiranaaiah Wil always be very close to my heart. Every frame I worked wth him during #73Shantinivasa is fresh n memorable. Anythn said Wil be very Lil about this bundle of talent who's contribution to field of art knew no boundaries. Rest in peace Sir.

 

 

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