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Updated: May 02, 2019 23:02 IST

Kannada theatre personality “Master” Hirannaiah died in the city on Thursday bringing down the curtain on a 68-year association with the stage. He was 85. He was suffering from ailments related to the liver.

The son of thespian K Hirannaiah, Narasimhamurthy was born in Mysuru on February 15, 1934. He took on the stage name Master Hirannaiah after his debut in his childhood. In 1951, the young actor decided to join his father’s theatre company K Hirannaiah Mitra Mandali.

On March 21, 1956, after the sudden demise of his father while on tour in Kodagu district, Master Hirannaiah took charge of the company and ran it till his death.

His most popular play was Lanchavatara, a critique of corruption in political life. This was followed by other hits Anaachara and Bhrashtachara. Based on these successes, the 85-year-old had starred in many Kannada language movies and TV shows.

Hiranniah is survived by his wife and five children.