Geethapriya

Geethapriya Biography

Lakshman Rao Mohite is better known by his pen-name Geethapriya. He is a very popular director, writer and lyricist of the Kannada film industry. He has completed around 60 years in film industry and has given valuable contributions as a lyricist as well as film maker. He has directed 40 films and won Puttanna Kanagal award given by State government for valuable contribution in film direction. Shravana Sambrama is his latest film. He started career as lyricist and became an independent director in the year 1968. He also directed three Tulu films and one Hindi film Anmol Seethara. He has more than 250 songs in his credit. He has also written 2 novels and 2 plays.

Lakshman Rao Mohite has been a part of Kannada film industry since early 1950’s. He was struggling from poverty when he came to film line. He entered film field in the year 1954 and has witnessed the progress and downfalls of the industry. He started career as lyricist, writing a song for 'Sri Rama Pooja' in 1954. Commercial hit, Mannina Maga released in 1968 marked his successful debut in the industry. This film ran for 100 days in Bangalore Kapali and Bharath theatre and thus he came to limelight with the first release itself. He used to write script in spoken language that brought audience closer to him and his movies.

His real inspiration behind writing poems was P. T. Narasimhachar ‘Dorai’ poem. A few of his noted lyrics include - Jagadishanaduva Jagave Natakaranga and Hanumana Prana Prabho of Sriramanjaneya Yuddam, Matheya Mamatheya Roopugale and Nammurange Nanobne Jaana of Naari Munidhare Maari, Mutthu Malegaagi Hoththu Kadidhe of Beluvaladha Madilalli, Premavide Manedha Nagutha of Antha and Naguva Hoova neenu of Mauna Raga.

Geethapriya suffered from various health issues during the last few years of his life and passed away on 17 Jan 2016.

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Updated: April 15, 2016