Girish Karnad

Alkazi, who was the longest serving director of the National School of Drama and mentored generations of actors, produced plays such as Girish Karnad's "Tughlaq" and Dharamvir Bharati's "Andha Yug"

President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the death of noted actor and playwright Girish Karnad. After a prolonged illness, Karnad, 81 breathed his last earlier today in Bengaluru.Taking to Twitter, President Kovind wrote, "Sad to hear of the passing of Girish Karnad, writer, actor and doyen of Indian theatre. Our cultural world is poorer today. My condolences to his family and to the many who followed his work."PM Modi outlined Karnad's versatile acting over various platforms while paying the tributes to the veteran actor."Girish Karnad will be remembered for his versatile acting across all mediums. He also spoke passionately on causes dear to him. His works will continue being popular in the years to come. Saddened by his demise. May his soul rest in peace", wrote PM Modi on Twitter.Karnad, who was known for his work in the field of literature and cinema, also became a renowned face in the country after essaying the role of ...

Filmmaker Shyam Benegal collaborated with the polyglot playwright and actor through the 1970s and remained his friend for more than five decades

His death is a huge loss to the world of modern Indian theatre and literature

With his stature as a playwright and actor, he was one of the voices of modernity

Karnad's command over several languages and his deep understanding of the literary and creative worlds made him the first non-civil servant director of Pune's prestigious FTII

On his demise, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor tweeted, 'This is a devastating loss. A flame has been extinguished that lit up so many minds'