H. S. Venkateshamurthy


Hodigere Shanbhog Venkateshamurthy, often referred to by his initials, HSV, was an Indian poet, playwright, critic and literary scholar who wrote in Kannada. He also wrote lyrics for Kannada films, occasionally serving as screenwriter and writing dialogues.
Murthy was born to Nagarathnamma and Narayana Bhatta in the remote village of Hodigere in the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore, then as part of Chitradurga district. After attending school in his native village, he studied in Holalkere followed by collegiate training at Chitradurga. He completed his master's degree in Kannada at Central College Bangalore. He worked as lecturer and professor for more than three decades at St. Joseph's College of Commerce, Bangalore, and remained in Bangalore after retirement. He received his Doctorate of Literature for his research on Kannadadalli Kathana Kavanagalu.

Literary career

Murthy was a pre-navya writer and Bhavageete poet. As of 2020, he published more than 100 books in Kannada. His play Hoovi was recognized by the ICSE educational board in India as a textbook for students of class nine and ten.

Death

Venkateshamurthy died at a private hospital in Kengeri, Bengaluru, on 30 May 2025, at the age of 80.

Contributions to film

Balondu Bhavageethe: "Kamana Billina Mele" Chinnari Mutta: Story, dialogue and all songsKotreshi Kanasu: All songsAmerica America: "Banalli odo megha " Kraurya: DialogueMythri: SongKirik Party: "Thoogu Manchadalli Koothu" Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side B: "Irabeku Iruvanthe Toredu Saavira Chinte"

Contributions to television

Mukta: Title songMaha Parva: TitleMagalu Janaki: Title song

Awards