Renowned Kannada Novelist SL Bhyrappa Dies At 94

Renowned Kannada Literary Figure SL Bhyrappa Passes Away at 94

SL Bhyrappa was honored with prestigious awards including Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri

Bengaluru:

Eminent Kannada novelist and philosophical thinker SL Bhyrappa succumbed to cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Wednesday. He was 94 years old.

"The legendary Indian novelist, philosopher, Padma Shri, Padmabhushana and Saraswathi Samman awardee Shri SL Bhyrappa suffered a cardiac arrest today at 2.38 pm and reached the lotus feet of the Almighty. Om Shanti !!!" Rashtrotthana Hospital stated in their official release.

Mr Bhyrappa gained widespread acclaim for his celebrated literary works including 'Vamshavriksha', 'Daatu', 'Parva', 'Mandara', among others. Many of his influential novels have been translated into English and various other languages.

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… pic.twitter.com/ZhXwLcCGP3

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 24, 2025

Throughout his distinguished career, he received numerous accolades including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Saraswati Samman, and Sahitya Akademi Awards.

Several of his literary masterpieces such as 'Naayi-Neralu', 'Matadana', 'Vamshavriksha', and 'Tabbaliyu Neenaade Magane' have been adapted into films, while 'Gruhabhanga' and 'Daatu' were transformed into television series.