P.Lankesh (b. 1935)
Kannada director born in Shimoga Dist., Karnataka. Also major Kannada novelist, poet and playwright. His novel, Biruku (1967), ranks with Ananthamurthy’s Samskara (1966) as the pinnacle of the Navya Movement. Acted in film version of Samskara (1970). Other noted works: Kereya Niranu Kerege Chelli (short stories, 1964), Bitchhu (poems, 1967), Sankranthi (play, 1973). Films continue his literary enterprise. Co-scripted Kambhar’s Sangeetha (1981). Vociferous political commentator and owner-editor of the downmarket weekly tabloid Lankesh Patrike (Est: 1980). Established his own political party to fight the general elections of 1989.
FILMOGRAPHY (* also act): 1976: Pallavi*; 1977: Anurupa; 1979: Khandavideko Mamsavideko; 1980: Ellindalo Bandavaru.