RIP Girish Karnad: Top political leaders remember the legend

Veteran playwright and actor Girish Karnad, who was also rewarded many times for his contribution to literature, passed away in his Bangalore house on Monday morning. He was 81-year-old who surrendered to multiple-organ failure. Not only Hindi movies and plays, Karnad was also a renowned name in South Indian cinema, mainly Kannada cinema. He was also a modern playwright in Kannada.

Moreover, Girish Karnad received the highest literary honour Jnanpith Award in the year 1998. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and president Ram Nath Kovind remembered the legend in their tweets. However not only them, other top politicians too paid tribute to the veteran.

Like the President of India, poltiical party Congress also offered condolences to Karnad from their Twitter handle. Arvind Kejriwal, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Devendra Fadnavis, Sanjay Nirupam and CM of Kerala were among the few other people who also paid tribute to him.

Here, read their tweets:

Sad news coming in the morning about the passing away of veteran noted actor and playwright Girish Karnad. Girish ji's views and artistic contribution will be missed by the country.

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 10, 2019

Our heartfelt condolences to the family of Shri Girish Karnad in this time of grief. He will be remembered for his prolific writing, his contribution to Indian culture & his fight for social justice. pic.twitter.com/ZEACcHnjjf

— Congress (@INCIndia) June 10, 2019

Condolences on the sad demise of veteran actor, director and playwright Shri Girish Karnad ji. May God render peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti.

— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) June 10, 2019

It is with the deepest sorrow that I have learnt of the passing away of Girish Karnad. In his passing, we have lost one of the greatest literary minds of our time. I send my deepest sympathy and sympathies to the family, friends and readers of the great writer.

— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) June 10, 2019

I am extremely sorry to hear about the sad demise of Shri Girish Karnad. The passing away of such a talented artist is a huge loss to the art world.

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) June 10, 2019

With the demise of noted actor, writer and Jnanpith Awardee Girish Karnad, we have lost a great personality of Indian cinema, especially theatre.
He was also associated with Marathi theatre.
My humble tribute..
Deepest condolences to his family, friends & fans !#GirishKarnad

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) June 10, 2019

Saddened by the passing away of poet, a great scholar & Jnanpith awardee #GirishKarnad at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness in Bengaluru. He was a great playwright & actor as well.May his soul rest in peace & my deepest condolences to his family members. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/2SHtYjCdsB

— Vijay Singh (@MLCvijaysingh) June 10, 2019

Deeply saddened to hear about the sad demise of veteran actor,writer and Gyanpeeth awardee Shri Girish Karnad.
He was multitalented creative genius.
Creative world will miss him always.
My heartfelt condolences to his son @rkarnad and his family members.#RIPGirishKarnad pic.twitter.com/nzqfrwzdHK

— Sanjay Nirupam (@sanjaynirupam) June 10, 2019

Apart from the Jnanpith Award, Karnad was awarded Padma Shri in the year 1974 and Padma Bhushan in 1992. He has some notable work in movies like Tiger Zinda Hai, Chalk n Duster, Shivaay, 24, Dheera Rana Vikrama and Hey Ram too. Karnad was also part of the Television show Malgudi Days. The actor played the role of Swami's father in the show.