NS Shankar: Kannada film director, writer, and journalist NS Shankar passed away at the age of 67 on Sunday due to a heart attack. He died in his sleep at his residence early in the morning, as confirmed by family members. Despite attempts to provide medical aid, he breathed his last. The death of NS Shankar, who served distinguished roles across journalism, writing, and film direction, has shocked the Kannada film industry, literary circles, and journalism fraternity. He had been suffering from health issues recently.
Before entering cinema, NS Shankar worked as a journalist for prominent Kannada newspapers like Prajavani and Lankesh Patrike. His articles and essays on social issues, particularly those highlighting caste discrimination and the problems of oppressed communities, received widespread acclaim. As a writer, NS Shankar made significant contributions to Dalit literature in Karnataka, bringing social inequalities and the struggles of marginalized groups through his work for public attention.
NS Shankar gained recognition as a director with his 1997 film ‘Ulta Palta’. He established a unique position in Kannada cinema for his diverse storylines and socially relevant themes. Besides directing, NS Shankar also acted in a few films, impressing audiences with his on-screen presence. In 2024, he was honored with the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award for his services in literature, journalism, and cinema.
The passing of NS Shankar has left a deep void in multiple creative fields. Prominent political and cinema figures in Karnataka, including Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, expressed profound grief and offered condolences to his family. NS Shankar’s work as a filmmaker and writer will continue to inspire future generations, and his legacy remains unforgettable in Kannada cinema and literature.
