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Legendary Kannada novelist SL Bhyrappa passes away at 94

Beyond his writing, he established the Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa Pratishtana to support his native village and other social causes.

South First Desk

Published Sep 24, 2025 | 3:56 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 24, 2025 | 3:56 PM

SL Bhyrappa

SL Bhyrappa. (Supplied)

Synopsis: Bhyrappa became a central figure in Indian literature. His novels were not only critically acclaimed but also commercially successful, captivating generations of readers. His works, which delve into themes of philosophy, aesthetics, and human relationships, have been translated into multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, and English, reaching a wide audience across the country.

The legendary Indian novelist, philosopher, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Saraswati Samman and Sahitya Akademi awardee Santeshivara Lingannayya Bhyrappa popularly known as SL Bhyrappa passed away on Wednesday, 24 September, in Bengaluru.

The Medical Admistrator of Jayadev Memorial Rashtrotthana Hospital and Research Centre confirmed that he suffered a cardiac arrest at 2.38pm.

According to reports, the recipient of India’s highest honours for literary achievement, including the Padma Bhushan (2023) and the Saraswati Samman (2010), Bhyrappa had been living in Mysuru after his retirement. He recently moved to Bengaluru to be closer to medical care as he faced age-related health issues.

Born on 20 August, 1931, in Santeshivara village, Hassan district, Bhyrappa became a central figure in Indian literature. His novels were not only critically acclaimed but also commercially successful, captivating generations of readers.

His works, which delve into themes of philosophy, aesthetics, and human relationships, have been translated into multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, and English, reaching a wide audience across the country.

A prolific writer, Bhyrappa’s literary legacy includes over 25 novels. His works often sparked public debate and intellectual discourse due to their complex themes and thought-provoking narratives.

Some of his most celebrated novels include Vamshavruksha, Daatu, Parva, Grihabhanga, Aavarana, and Sartha. His novel Mandra won him the prestigious Saraswati Samman in 2010, while Daatu earned him the Central Sahitya Akademi Award in 1975.

In recognition of his towering contributions, he was also honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 2015 and the Padma Bhushan in 2023.

Beyond his writing, he established the Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa Pratishtana to support his native village and other social causes.

Condolences pour in

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his condolences on X. He wrote: “The news of the passing of S.L. Bhyrappa, a senior writer in the Kannada literary world, has brought pain. I pray that Bhyrappa’s soul finds peace. Due to his intimate writing style, Bhyrappa had a vast readership, and his demise has impoverished the literary world. My condolences to his family and his circle of readers.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wrote on X: “In the passing of Shri S.L. Bhyrappa Ji, we have lost a towering stalwart who stirred our conscience and delved deep into the soul of India. A fearless and timeless thinker, he profoundly enriched Kannada literature with his thought-provoking works. His writings inspired generations to reflect, question and engage more deeply with society. His unwavering passion for our history and culture will continue to inspire minds for years to come. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.”

(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Nolan Patrick Pinto)

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