DNA (June 11, 2019)

(19 May 1938 – 10 June 2019)

Noted playwright and film as well as theatre personality Girish Karnad breathed his last on Monday morning. To grieve his loss, Karnataka has declared a three-day mourning while yesterday was announced as a holiday for schools, colleges and government offices.The Jnanpith Award winner, who was 81, was a popular face on television and in cinema. The Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan recipient was known as one of the doyens of modern Indian theatre as he had penned powerful productions in Kannada including Yayati, Tughlaq, Hayavadana and Taledanda, which were a strong comment on the socio-political scenario. Some of his works have been translated into several languages and have been helmed by stalwarts such as Alyque Padamsee, Ebrahim Alkazi and Satyadev Dubey, to name a few.

The versatile artiste also had an impressive body of work both in South as well as Hindi cinema. Having made his acting debut with the Kannada film Samskara in 1970, he went on act in movies such as Nishaant (1975), Manthan (1976) and Swami (1977). After foraying into direction with the Kannada film Vamsha Vriksha in 1971 (for which he even won the National Award), he helmed other movies including Rekha and Shashi Kapoor-starrer Utsav (1984).

The versatile artiste was also a prominent face on Indian television as he was seen in Malgudi Days (1987) and Indradhanush (1989). He had a long association with filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor as he acted in several of movies such as Iqbal (2005), Dor (2006), 8 x 10 Tasveer (2009) and Aashayein (2010). Having acted in Salman Khan-starrer Ek Tha Tiger (2012), he was last seen on the big screen in the espionage thriller’s 2017 sequel Tiger Zinda Hai.

The multiple award-winner served as director of the Film and Television Institute of India or FTII from 1974 to 1975, chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi from 1988 to 1993, and director of the Nehru Centre in London from 2000 to 2003. The political activist was known for his strong views and believed in freedom of expression.

I can’t forget his ever-smiling face: Shreyas Talpade
The news of his death was extremely shocking. When my wife (Deepti) informed me, I couldn’t believe it. It was a huge honour for me to work with Girish sir in my first Hindi film, Iqbal. I was nervous about sharing screen space with stalwarts like him and Naseeruddin Shah. Also, it was produced by Subhash Ghai so, overall, I was feeling overwhelmed. Had it not been for Girish ji — the way he hugged me and made me comfortable on the set on the first day... He was the most loving, caring and supportive co-actor. I cannot forget his ever-smiling face. I will miss him.

I wasn’t in touch with him that much, but every time we met at events or film festivals, he would give me a warm hug. He was fond of my wife and me, and would always greet us with a smile.

Girish sir was full of knowledge not just about films and plays, but also politics and various cuisines. He was fond of good food and would relish it. I remember during the shoot of Iqbal, Dor in Rajasthan and even Aashayein, in which I had just one song, which was shot in Pondicherry, we would enjoy dinner together. He would share so many stories and anecdotes. I only have fond memories of him.

- As told to Chaya Unnikrishnan

My relationship with Girish sir was like professor and student: Ali Abbas Zafar
For me, it was a great experience to work with a man like Girish sir. Not only as an actor, but he was also such a gentleman and a knowledgeable soul. It’s not only the film fraternity that will miss him, but the entire nation. He was a writer, a theatre actor, he used to write and direct plays and films. The kind of talent that he possessed was phenomenal. He was a great human being and a great person to have conversation with. While working with him in Tiger Zinda Hai, I had a fabulous time. He was one of those people who could nicely and easily tell you what they think is right or wrong. He was very articulate. My relationship with him was like a professor and student. I am deeply saddened by his demise.