A humble giant bid adieu yesterday. A legend in the theatre circle, a playwright par excellence, sensitive novelist and an unassumingly brilliant actor. Girish Karnad had donned many a hats in his life time and excelled in all of them. He was instrumental in bringing Indian mythology, history and folklore into the limelight. He was a keen observer of the society who never shied away from his social moral duties.

Girish Karnad was born in 1938 in Maharashtra, brought up in Karnataka. He started writing plays at a young age. These plays were written in Kannada, as he could bring out the rich culture and sensitivity into his characters. His first 'Yayati', wrote when he was only 23 years was published in1961 was inspired by Mahabharata. He was able to bring out the multi-layers of emotions in the play, anguish of the main characters. For his second play 'Tughlaq', he delved into Indian history. 'Tughlaq' was drama based on idealistic but imprudent sultan of the 14th century, known to be his most successful play. It catapulted Karnad to the company of theatre's hall of fame. The play still runs packed house.

His immergence to silver screen coincided with the times when in 1970s and 80s, Indian cinema flourished both in mainstream and also in the parallel cinema. Karnad gave stellar performances in the Hindi movies like 'Manthan', 'Nishat', 'Swami' and the more recent in 'Ek Tha Tiger'(2012) and 'Tiger Zinda Hai'(2017). As an actor, Karnad is credited of playing characters which brought back inner turmoil and struggles of middle-class sincere generic crowd. His first Kannada film 'Samskara', and 'Vamsha Vrisksha', path breaking works which won the Swarna Kamal Award in 1970.

Girish Karnad undertook administrative duties as well. He was the director and later the chairman of Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. At age 35, he is still the youngest person to hold the position. At the age of 36, he was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri.

With his insightful writings, he was able to bright forth a new way to comprehend contemporary social issues and also the political context. He was awarded the Jnanpith, the highest literary honour in 1998.  He was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 1992.  

With such illustrious career, Karnad did not recline in his literary cocoon, but he was constantly questioning right-wing authority. He was vocal about the social paradigms. He never minced his words to call out injustice. It is safe to say, India has not seen a more talented, clear thinking yet humble being. The extent of his humility can be asserted by his insistence of a simple farewell devoid of any elaborate procession or wreathes. In death also, Karnad showed he is a simple man with a big heart.

Girish Karnad's passing away has left an irreplaceable void in theatre and literary circle.