Eminent Telugu poet Narayana Reddy dead

Hyderabad, June 12 (IANS) Eminent Telugu poet, writer and lyricist C. Narayana Reddy died here on Monday, following prolonged illness, family sources said. He was 85.

Famous as 'Cinare' in literary circle, the Jnanpith awardee breathed his last at Care Hospital here.

Reddy, who began his literary work in 1950s, was also a recipient of Padma Shri, Sahitya Akademi Award and many other honours. The songs penned by him became very popular in Telugu films.

The literary personality had also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Born in a farmer family in Hanumajipet village of Karimnagar district on July 29, 1931, Narayana Reddy did his BA with Urdu as medium of instruction from Osmania University.

He did his post graduation and doctorate in Telugu literature and served as lecturer in various colleges in Hyderabad and went on to become a professor in Osmania University.

Many of his literary works became landmark in Telugu literature and won him many honours. His death plunged the Telugu literary world and film industry into gloom.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N. Chandrababu Naidu, Governor of both the states E.S.L. Narasimhan, leaders from all political parties and leading literary and film personalities condoled the death of Narayana Reddy.

"He was a master in Telugu and Urdu and one notices that he has imbibed influences of Urdu poetry in his Telugu poetry. His writings are characterised by universal values, of hope and wellbeing," said Chandrababu Naidu.

"Demise of Narayana Reedy Garu is an irreparable loss to the Indian literature. He has made unparalleled contributions as a poet, a critic, a lyricists, a play-wright, an educationist and an orator," the Andhra chief minister added.

Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu described Reddy as "'King of the kings' in Telugu language and a wonderful poet".

"His writings had mesmerised the people at large. He had a great passion for literature, culture and art... His invaluable contribution will be remembered for ever. As a parliamentarian, Dr. Reddy gave many constructive suggestions in Rajya Sabha," Naidu added.