KANNADA
Versatile writer
V. GOPALAKRISHNA
LANKESH: K. Marulasiddappa; Sahitya Akademi, 35, Rabindra Bhavan, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi-110001. Rs. 40.
THE BIOGRAPHER, who was closely associated with Lankesh for over three decades, has given an insight into the life and works of the versatile Kannada writer, besides sharing his own personal experiences.
The author projects Lankesh in his various facets —poet, playwright, novelist, story writer, film director and producer, and journalist.
A creative writer who focussed on the social ideals and struggles of the 20th century, Lankesh through his writings spoke up against accepting anything without scrutiny or enquiry, a message that appealed to one and all. He respected Gandhiji as the Father of the Nation, but did not accept his ideals blindly.
Lankesh was initially influenced by some English poets but later became an admirer of Gopalakrishna Adiga, whom he hailed as the one who opened the eyes of a generation, but recanted later. His writings came down heavily on such traits as cruelty, meanness, and pretensiousness in man.
His autobiography, Hulimavina mara (sour mango tree) gives ample evidence of how he gradually developed some qualities like generosity, love for village life, and open-mindedness right from his boyhood days.
The name of Lankesh remains ever-green as one of the best story-writers in Kannada. Octopus is a story ridiculing half-baked university teachers who boast of their scholarship.
The admiration he earned from different circles and the
several awards he received speak volumes about Lankesh, the man, and his achievements.
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