Published Jun 15, 2026 | 2:49 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 15, 2026 | 3:06 PM
Indira Lankesh.
Synopsis: Indira Lankesh, writer, entrepreneur and wife of noted Kannada writer and journalist P Lankesh, died at her Bengaluru residence on Monday following age-related ailments. She is survived by her children, filmmakers Kavita Lankesh and Indrajith Lankesh. Her eldest daughter, activist-journalist Gauri Lankesh, was murdered in 2017 by alleged Hindutva extremists.
Indira Lankesh, writer and entrepreneur, and wife of renowned Kannada writer and journalist P Lankesh, died at her residence in Uttarahalli, Bengaluru, on the morning of Monday, 15 June, following age-related ailments. She was 83.
She is survived by her children, filmmakers Kavita Lankesh and Indrajith Lankesh. Her eldest daughter, activist-journalist Gauri Lankesh, was murdered in 2017 by alleged Hindutva extremists.
From the inception of Lankesh Patrike, the influential publication that ushered in a new chapter in Kannada journalism, Lankesh stood firmly behind her husband and played a pivotal role in its functioning.
Beyond supporting P Lankesh in their personal life, she was recognised for managing, behind the scenes, the newspaper’s administration, growth and publication responsibilities.
She was also involved in writing, business and book publishing.
Also Read: The Being and Becoming of Gauri Lankesh
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in a post on X, said he was saddened by the news of her passing.
“I was saddened to hear the news of the passing of Indira Lankesh, the wife of the late P. Lankesh, the renowned writer and journalist. There is no doubt that Indira Lankesh made an immense contribution by standing in support of Lankesh in all his achievements in the fields of literature, media and cinema. Having been part of the Lankesh family’s circle of friends since the early days, Indira Lankesh and her children were very dear to me. Indira Lankesh, who also wrote herself, was responsible for book publishing as well,” he wrote.
“Following the murder of Gauri Lankesh a few years ago, Indira was deeply traumatised and had never fully recovered. I share in the grief of the Lankesh family. I pray that her soul rests in peace.”
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also expressed grief over her death in a post on X.
“Indira Lankesh, who lived with unwavering determination and resilience, was a role model for all women. I pray that God grants eternal peace to the departed soul and gives strength and courage to her family members, close associates, admirers and lovers of literature who are grieving this loss,” he said.
Civil rights activist and journalist Teesta Setalvad also paid tribute to Lankesh on X.
“For nine years, she grieved, fought for justice for daughter Gauri Lankesh, battled cancer, and had beautiful, talented Kavitha Lankesh, soul sister of mine and filmmaker, by her side through thick and thin. Darling Esha too. And now she has left peacefully, in her sleep. Rest in Power and Peace, Indiramma. Justice for Gauri will be done. That we promise,” she wrote.
