Kannada actor, theatre artiste Master Hirannaiah passes away at 84

Veteran actor from the Kannada film industry and noted theatre artiste, satirist and TV actor Hirannaiah passed away in Bengaluru on Thursday.

The actor aged 84 was admitted to BGS Hospital in Bengaluru four days ago. However, he did not respond to treatment and passed away on Thursday morning. He was survived by his wife and son.

Known to his peers as Master Hirannaiah, the versetile artiste was born in Mysuru on February 15, 1934. His father, K Hirannaiah too was a director of Kannada plays and had his own theatre company – K Hirannaiah Mitra Mandali.

Master Hirannaiah shot to fame after playing the lead role in the play Lanchavatara.

Master Hirannaiah has also acted in several noteworthy Sandalwood films including Lancha Samarajya, Niranthara, Operation Antha, Hudgeeru Saar Hudgeeru, Yaksha and Gaja.

His other famous plays include Double Thaali, Kanya Daana, Sanyasi Samsara, Chamachavathara, Haasyadalli Ulta Palta, Kapil Mushti, Nadubidi Narayana, Bhrashtachara and Anaachaara.

His stint in the Kannada theatre industry also fetched him multiple awards for his contribution. Master Hirannaiah has won the Kannada State Award in 1984, Rajyotsava Prashasthi, Gubbi Veeranna Award in 1988, Drama Academy Award, Sandesha Arts Award in 2009 and Maha Advaithi Award in 2017 among others.