P. Lankesh

P. Lankesh Biography

P. Lankesh was a noted Kannada writer and journalist. Lankesh founded the tabloid Lankesh Patrike in 1980 for which he rose to fame. As a writer, he was mostly known as a novelist. His is also known as an academic and film director. His children, Indrajit and Gauri are noted film directors and well established names in entertainment industry as well.

Palegar Lankeshappa, born on the 8th of March 1935 was a native of Konagahalli in Karnataka state. His primary and secondary education was completed at Konagahalli and Haranahalli. He took Masters in English from Maharaja College, Mysore. Once completed his studies, he returned back to his village Shimoga where he started his career as a teacher. In 1962 he moved to Bangalore and taught at Bangalore University. It was during this time when he published his first collection of short stories under the title ‘Kereya Neeranu Kerege Chelli’. It was published in the year 1963. He wrote novels, playwrights, film scripts and short stories and has also translated English epics like Oedipus Rex and Antigone into Kannada.

As a script writer, his noted scripts are Pallavi, Anuroopa, Ellindalo Bandavaru and Khandavide Ko Maamsavide Ko. His autobiographical work, Hulimavina Mara was published in the year 1997. His poetry collections include - Talemaaru (1973), Akshara Hosa Kavya (1970), Paapada Hoogalu (1974) – translation work and Chitra Samooha (1999). His noted plays are T. Prasannana Gruhasthashrama (1962), Nanna Thangigondu Gandu Kodi (1963), Polisariddare, Eccharike! (1964), Giliyu Panjaradolilla (1966), Siddhate (1970), Sankranti (1971) and Gunamukha (1993).

In 1977, he quit his teaching career to direct ‘Pallavi’ which was an adaptation of his novel Biruku. This movie won Lankesh the National Award for Best Direction. He launched tabloid Lankesh Patrike in 1980. Lankesh is also known as a kingmaker in political circles.

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Updated: March 19, 2014