File Foto writer SL Bhyrappa speaking on a symposium on a parish in Mysuru. | Photo Credit: Sriram Ma
Among his many contributions to Kannada literature, the greatest achievements of SL Bhyrappy attraction of new readers, especially youth, the writers who spoke to Hindu on Wednesday.
Bhyrapa was often in the center of controversy for his strong ideological attitude, but when he was looking through a non -ideological lens, a man who accepted both criticism and praise with humility, said much.
The critic TP Ashoka remembered the case in the 90s when he introduced a critical documentary about the novel Vamsha Vriksha in the presence of Bhyrapy in Chitradurz. “He took criticism positively and also answered the questions I asked in my post. He always welcomed criticism when it came from a place of sincerity and respect,” he said.
K. Marulasiddappa, a critic and playwright, shared a similar sentiment when he remembered their journey to Delhi a few years ago for work related to Kannada Abhivriddhi Pradhikar. “We both had very different ideologies and principles, but he always saw man first as a human being,” he said.
Personality
Mr. Ashoka said that when he visited the Chitradurg Fortress with Bhyrapa, the other was extremely attentive to all structures and wanted to hear stories from the locals.
“I asked him whether he was planning to write about Chitradurg. He replied that he couldn’t, if he had touched his soul deeply, and the story appeared. He explained he would write a book, postponed her for six months, shared her with his friends and didn’t change before publishing,” he recalled.
The scholar of Hampa Nagarajaiah supported Mr. Ashok’s observation and said that Bhyrapp’s novels were always supported by thorough research. “In fact, his works have always been the result of deep research combined with a serious tone and a disciplined flow,” Nagarajaiah said.
The writer and publisher Vasudhendra added that Bhyrappa managed the art of giving the highest importance to small characters in his novels and quoting examples like Venkatesha in the Daat and Kallesha in Grukabang. “Every character contributed to something meaningful to a story that is very difficult to achieve in writing a novel,” said Mr. Vasudhendra.
He also noted that Bhyrapp’s writing was always before his time and quoted Matadan as an example. “I often ask how someone could write with such an accuracy on the topic,” he said.
Revolution
Mr. Marulasiddappa also said that Bhyrappa revolutionized a new form with masterpieces like Grukabanga and Parva.
“He played a key role in increasing Cannada on the national scene and the production of the novel by a literary movement. We can say that he has popularized the very form of the novel,” he said, adding that Bhyrappa was helpful in expanding the readers for Kannada literature.
“His works have always been widely discussed, regardless of their subject, and this brought more readers to Cannada.”
All writers who talked to the Hindus also noted that while Bhyrappa often aroused controversy because of their ideological undertones, she never had a substance.
Mr. Nagarajaiah said, “If the writer finds himself in the middle of the debate, it means they made a stamp.”
Published – September 2025 01:06 IS
