Renowned Kannada writer SL Bhyrappa died in Bengaluru on Wednesday. He was 94.

Bhyrappa had been suffering from age-related ailments and was undergoing treatment in the city for the past three months, The Hindu reported.

The Jayadev Memorial Rashtrotthana Hospital and Research Centre, where the writer had been admitted, said that he suffered a cardiac arrest and died at 2.38 pm on Wednesday.

Bhyrappa published his first novel Bheemakaya in 1958 and went on to write 25 novels over the years. His last novel, Uttarakanda published in 2017, was a retelling of the Hindu epic Ramayana through the perspective of women.

His novels have been translated into several languages.

In 2010, Bhyrappa was awarded the Saraswati Samman for his novel Mandra (2001).

He was conferred with the Padma Bhushan in 2023.

In his later years, Bhyrappa became known for his pro-Hindutva views, according to The Hindu. His portrayal of Muslim rulers and religious conversion in the 2007 novel Avarana had also sparked controversy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country had “lost a towering stalwart who stirred our conscience and delved deep into the soul of India”.

“A fearless and timeless thinker, he profoundly enriched Kannada literature with his thought-provoking works,” Modi said on social media. “His writings inspired generations to reflect, question and engage more deeply with society.”

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that Bhyrappa had a vast readership due to his intimate writing style.

“…His demise has impoverished the literary world,” the Congress leader said on social media.

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