BENGALURU: Noted Kannada film lyricist and poet MN Vyasa Rao passed away at his residence in Bengaluru on Sunday morning due to a massive heart attack. The 73-year-old lyricist is survived by his wife, daughter and a son.
Vyasa Rao collapsed while having breakfast at his house due to a massive heart attack, his family members said.A bank employee by profession, Vyasa Rao made his debut in Kannada film industry as a lyricist in 1975 through the movie Shubhamangala directed by iconic Puttanna Kanagal. His songs in the movie --“Suryangu chandrangu bandare munisu” and “Nakondla Naku” — have remained among the all-time hits being sung even today.
He worked as a lyricist for many Puttanna Kanagal films.Vyasa Rao, a recipient of Karnataka Rajya Sahitya Academy award for his short story collection “Maleyalli Neneda Maragalu,” had also made a mark as a novelist. He has to his credit many novels in Kannada, apart from writing short stories.CM HD Kumaraswamy, Leader of the opposition BS Yeddyurappa and many artists from the film industry have mourned his death.