NS Lakshminarayana Bhatta, a tour de force in Kannada literature, dies at 84

Bengaluru: Noted Kannada poet, critic and translator NS Lakshminarayana Bhatta died early on 6 March. He was 84 and was suffering with age related ailments, family sources said. Popularly known as ‘NSL’ in Kannada literary world, he was born in 1936 in Shivamogga district. Bhatta has been household name through his bhavageets (lyrical poems), and is known for his contribution to modern Kannada poetry, critical works and translations. [caption id=“attachment_9385281” align=“alignnone” width=“640”]  The poet and critic had translated numerous works of William Shakespeare, WB Yeats and TS Elliot into Kannada during his career. Image via Facebook@VidyarthiBhavan[/caption] He had translated about 50 of William Shakespeare sonnets, the poetry of TS Elliot and works of poet WB Yeats into Kannada. A recipient of Karnataka Sahitya Akademi award and Kannada Rajyotsava Award among others, his popular works include Thaye ninna madilali. He served as Professor at Bengaluru University, and is revered for popularizing the works of saint-poet Shishunala Sharif. Bhatta is survived by wife and two children, sources said adding that his last rites will be performed later in the day. Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa condoled the passing away of Bhatta and said Kannada literary world has lost one of its stars. JD(S) leader and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy condoling Bhatta’s death, remembered his works on songs or poetry for children.