Noted theatre artiste, Sandalwood actor, satirist and TV actor Hirannaiah passed away in Bengaluru on Thursday. Known to his peers as Master Hirannaiah, the veteran actor 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 84 years old and is survived by his wife and son.
Born in Mysuru on February 15, 1934, Hirannaiah is one of the most well-known Kannada theatre personalities. His father, K Hirannaiah too was a director of Kannada plays and had his own theatre company – K Hirannaiah Mitra Mandali.
Since his early days, Master Hirannaiah took part in plays in school and college. However, after his father’s death, he took over the management of the theatre company. He shot to fame after playing the lead role in the play Lanchavatara.
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.
Master Hirannaiah has also acted in several noteworthy Sandalwood films including Lancha Samarajya, Niranthara, Operation Antha, Hudgeeru Saar Hudgeeru, Yaksha and Gaja.