Legendary Kannada Cinema Lyricist Lakshman Rao Mohite, Passes Away

17 January, Bengaluru

Legendary Kannada cinema music Lyricist,Drama artist and Director Lakshman Rao Mohite, popularly known as’Geetapriya’ died here Sunday after brief illness.

He was 84. He was survived by his wife, one son and two daughters.

Ailing for some time, Mr Geetapriya died at Government K CGeneral Hospital here, while his family, large number of hisfollowers were present. The renowned lyricist born in 1931, had made his debut in Kannadacinema during 1954 and wrote over 250 memorable songs in Kannadaand also directed 40 films. He first wrote a song in Sri Rama Poojaway back in 1954, and his first film was Mannina Maga starring alltime superstar of Kannada cinema Rajkumar that was a blockbuster.

The Kannada cinema industry paid rich tributes for the creativewriter and director who was born in Karnataka. Despite his mothertongue being Marathi, he naturally embraced Kannada literature andwrote many Kannada songs during his four decades of notable stint inKannada cinema during 1955 to 1995.

Poet Pu. Ti. Narasimhachar inspired him most while writing thecinema lyrics that resulted him churning out most memorable songs inKannada cinema of the lore. He was also inspired by the writings ofK Shivaram Karanth, Masti Venkatesh Iyengar that reflected on thepoetic acumen while he wrote songs for the Kannada cinema.