The year 2019 was sad for a few personalities as destiny had something else. We have lost a few gems from Kannada filmdom.

The demise of Walking God Sri Shivakumara Swamiji at 111 years of age was a big loss to all sections of people in the state.

Gnanapeeth award winner Dr Girish Karnad died after a long illness. He was actor, director on stage, cinema and television. He sought a simple funeral with no celebrities and political personality’s attendance. Dr Karnad has a very successful career in a long innings. He was recognized locally, nationally and internationally.

The master on stage Master Hirannaiah also died in the year 2019 leaving a big void. On stage he was terror for his plays like Lanchavathara, Nadubeedi Narayana, Makmal Topi, Phonavathara etc. There cannot be another master like Hirannaiah.

Well known dialogue writer and director K Nanjunda passed away at a very early age on April 23 2019. K Nanjunda directed films like ‘Kanasalu Neene Manasalu Neene’ and ‘Melody’. Another notable personality in distribution sector Nag Prasad alias Samarth Prasad vibrant in his business died on 6^th January 2019 of ill health.

Well known Telugu films director who directed a few Kannada films Kodi Ramakrishna died of ill health.

SK Padmadevi actress of first Kannada film ‘Sathi Sulochana’ died at the age of 85. Actress Phaniyamma LV Sharada, Anil Kumar of Moodala Mane, Putgowri also cinema actor, Actress Harshika father Vaddanda Poonacha, well known director of Kannada filmdom Ha Su Rajasekhar, Munoj Sri Hari director passes away at a young age.

At ‘Ranam’ shooting a mother and child were killed in the cylinder blast in March end. Kannada TV actress Shobha, popular in theatre and Magalu Janki ‘Mangalakka’ died in a road accident.