Bengaluru, May 30 -- Renowned Kannada poet, playwright and critic Dr. Hodigere Shanbhog Venkatesha Murthy, famously known as H.S Venkatesh Murthy, passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru early this morning. He was 80. His body was kept at Ravindra Kalakshetra till 2 pm today for public to pay their respects.

He leaves behind four sons, daughters-in-law and grand-children.

Born on June 23, 1944 at Hodigere in Channagiri Taluk, Davanagere, he was known for his literary works which included poetry and plays.

His poem collections include Parivrutha, Bagilu Badida Janagalu, Saugandhika, Moovathu Malegala among others. His plays include Hejjegalu, Ondu Sainika Vruthantha and Agnivarna among others.

Venkatesh Murthy had also contribut...