on Sunday

On Sunday morning, the complications resulted in a heart attack that caused his death.

Veteran director-lyricist Geethapriya died at the age of 83In 1968, Asia's largest cineama theatre, Kapali, was inaugurated in Bengaluru. Local filmmakers were averse to releasing their films in this theatre as its seating capacity of 1,465 was huge by any standards. They were afraid that even with a decent number of audience the theatre would look empty. Geethapriya's first film as director, Mannina Maga, starring Rajkumar was one of the first films to release in this theatre. It ran successfully for over 100 days, usually to packed houses.By this time, Geethapriya was a popular lyricist in Sandalwood having started with the film Sri Rama Pooja in 1954. As a theatre person, Lakshman Rao Mohite, wanted to be an actor and even got training in dance. Before films, he worked a as a clerk in a restaurant. It was as a lyricist that he found his footing in the industry. He came to be recognised by his pen name Geethapriya. By the time he turned to direction, he was already a veteran.His directorial debut Mannina Maga won the National Award for the best film in Kannada that year. He went on to write and direct 40 films that included some memorable ones like Beluvalada Madilalli, Hombisilu, Besuge and Putani Agent 123. He has written close to 300 songs for films. Some of the best known include 'Aadutiruva Modagale' from Bettada Huli, 'Besuge besuge' from the film Besuge, 'Beluvaladamadilalli bevara hani biddaga,' from Beluvalada Madilalli, 'Hoovinda Hoovige haaruva dumbi' from Hombisilu and 'Premavide Manade Naguva' from Antha.Even after, he stopped making films but continued to work for the film industry. He served as the principal of the Vijaya Film Institute and continued to give patronage to new talents. In the last few years, Geethapriya suffered from various health issues.