Girish Karnad (1938-2019): A pictorial tribute to the actor-playwright

Girish Karnad, a polymath, was known for his playwriting in Kannada. Besides being an actor, he also helmed several films. For his work in diverse fields, he was awarded multiple honours throughout his professional life.

Updated: June 10, 2019 11:17 IST

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Film and theatre personality Girish Karnad passed away on Monday at the age of 81. Karnad, a polymath, was known for his playwriting in Kannada. Besides being an actor, he also helmed several films. For his work in diverse fields, he was awarded multiple honours throughout his professional life. In his plays, he combined history and myth to expound upon contemporary issues plaguing the society. (Express archive photo)

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Girish Karnad began his professional career as a playwright with The Madras Players. (Express archive photo)

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Girish Karnad made his acting and screenwriting debut in 1970 with Kannada film Samskara, which was based on a novel by U.R. Ananthamurthy. (Express archive photo)

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Some of his most popular plays include Hayavadana (1972), Nagamandala (1988), Agni Matte Male (1995) and Taledanda (1990). (Express archive photo)

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As an actor, Girish Karnad was a part of the influential parallel cinema movement. (Express archive photo)

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Girish Karnad's last film was Kannada movie Apna Desh. It is slated to be released in August this year. (Express archive photo)

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Apart from his work in theatre and arts, Girish Karnad was also an activist. He condemned the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992. (Express archive photo)