Veteran Kannada filmmaker Sadananda Suvarna dies at 92

Veteran Kannada film and theatre personality Sadananda Suvarna died at a private hospital in Mangaluru on July 16 due to age-related ailments. He was 92.

Born in Mulki near Mangaluru on December 31, 1931, Suvarna migrated to Mumbai at a young age, where he studied in a night school and worked for a private company.

Karnataka BJP MP Brijesh Chowta expressed his condolence on Suvarna's death. His note in Kannada can be loosely translated into English as: "I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Mr. Sadananda Suvarna, a director, veteran stage actor, director of Tulu-Kannada dramas who spread the story of Tulunad to the state through the TV channel 'Guddada Bhuta' May God rest his soul Om



Shanti."

Suvarna produced 'Ghatashradha', which marked the directorial debut of Girish Kasaravalli. Their collaboration resulted in several cinematic masterpieces, with Suvarna serving as the executive producer for 'Mane', 'Kubi Mathu Iyala', and 'Tabarana Kathe', all directed or written by Kasaravalli.

Suvarna is best known for his 13-part television series, 'Guddada Bhoota'. He produced and directed the same in 1991 for Doordarshan. The series provided a significant break for veteran film actor, Prakash Raj.

His documentary 'Huchchu Manassina Hatthu Mukagalu' on Jnanpith awardee Dr K Shivarama Karanth received wide acclaim. Suvarna also directed the popular play 'Court Marshal' and was a recipient of the BV Karanth Award.