Jayant Kaikini

Jayant Kaikini Biography

Jayant Kaikini is a well known writer, poet and lyricist of Kannada language. A few of his published works include - Theredashte Baagilu, Bogaseyalli Male, Shabda Theera, Charminaar, Rangadindostu doora, Kotitirtha, Dagadoo Parabana Ashwamedha, Amruthaballi Kashaya, Bannada Kaalu, Shravana Madhyahna, Toofan Mail, Theredashte Baagilu, and Neelimale. As a lyricist, he has won Filmfare awards (Kannada) twice for the songs - "Minchagi Neenu Baralu" of Gaalipata (2008) and "Yello Maleyaagide" of Manasaare (2009). He has won two more nominations at Filmfare - MaLeyali Jotheyali - "Ni Sanihake Bandare" (2009) and Krishnan Love Story - "Hrudayave" (2010). As a writer, he won Karnataka Sahitya Akademi Award 4 Times (1974, 1982, 1989 and 1996). First time, he got it when he was only 19. He has also received Kusumagraj National Award in 2010 and Honorary doctorate from Tumkur University in 2011.

Dr. Jayant Kaikini was born in Gokarna in Uttara Kannada as the son of Gourish Kaikini, a Kannada litterateur and mother Shanta, a social worker. His father has won many literary awards including Sahitya Academy award and the Rajyotsava Award. Jayant took Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Karnataka University, Dharwad. Later he moved to Mumbai where he worked as chemist for many years. Dr. Jayant Kaikini is regarded as one among the best young writers of Kannada at present. He writes short stories, film scripts and poetry.

As a lyricist, he started his career with the movie Chigurida Kanasu. He is the credited with revolutionizing the image of Kannada film songs adding new flavours of imagination, beauty and classic touch of literature. Mungaaru Male, Gaalipata, and Milana are regarded as his best works. He has also successfully hosted a TV Show "Rasa Rushige Namaskara" in Etv Kannada. He received Karnataka Sahitya Academy award for his first poetry collection at the age of nineteen in 1974. Later he got it three times for short story collections.

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Updated: March 20, 2014