Here are 12 famous musicians from India died at 77:
A. R. Krishnashastry (February 12, 1890 Ambale-February 1, 1968 Bangalore) was an Indian journalist, writer and professor.
He is best known for his contributions to the field of Kannada literature, having authored more than 25 books, many of which have been translated into multiple languages. Krishnashastry started his career as a teacher, and went on to become a well-respected professor of Kannada literature at Bangalore University. He was also an accomplished journalist, having served as the editor of several newspapers and magazines, including the Kannada daily Prajavani. Krishnashastry was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Bhushan. He is remembered as one of the greatest Kannada writers of the 20th century.
Krishnashastry was born to a family of Brahmins in the small village of Ambale, located in the state of Karnataka, India. His father was a teacher, and this is where he inherited his passion for the profession. Krishnashastry was a bright student from a young age, and he pursued his education at the Maharaja's College in Mysore, where he obtained a degree in Kannada literature. He went on to do his master's degree at the University of Madras.
After completing his education, Krishnashastry started his career as a teacher, and worked in various educational institutions before joining the faculty at Bangalore University. Here, he taught Kannada literature for over 25 years, and was known for his depth of knowledge and his passion for teaching.
In addition to his teaching career, Krishnashastry was also an accomplished writer and journalist. He started his journalism career as a reporter for the Kannada daily, Kannada Desha, and went on to work for several other newspapers and magazines, including Andolana and Tattvabodhini Patrike. He served as the editor of Prajavani, which is now one of the largest circulated newspapers in Karnataka.
Krishnashastry's literary works cover a wide range of genres, including novels, short stories, poetry and drama. His most notable works include his translation of Kalidasa's Shakuntala, and his own works like Jnapaka Chitrashale, a collection of essays on literary criticism, and Venisamhara, a play based on the story of Shiva and Parvathi.
Krishnashastry's contributions to Kannada literature have been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel, Upasane, and the Padma Bhushan, which is one of India's highest civilian honors. He passed away on February 1, 1968, in Bangalore, leaving behind a rich legacy in the field of literature and education.
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Elijah Impey (June 13, 1732-October 1, 1809) was an Indian judge.
He was born in Thrapston, Northamptonshire, England, and studied law before joining the British East India Company in 1753. In 1773, he was appointed the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William, Calcutta (now Kolkata) and served in this position until 1783.
During his time in India, Impey was known for his efforts to promote justice and legal reform. He established the Calcutta School of Fort William in 1781, which was created to train British employees of the East India Company in Indian languages and laws.
Impey was also part of a controversy involving the trial of Maharaja Nandakumar, in which Impey was accused of mishandling the case and sentencing the Maharaja to death. Critics claimed that Impey had been biased towards British interests and that the trial was conducted unfairly. The controversy ultimately led to Impey's resignation in 1783.
After returning to England, Impey continued to serve as a judge and was appointed to the Court of Common Pleas in 1787. He retired in 1804 and died in his home in Kensington, London in 1809 at the age of 77.
In addition to his contributions to legal reform and education, Elijah Impey was also a noted botanist and collector of natural specimens. During his time in India, he amassed a vast collection of botanical specimens, from plants and flowers to insects and other animals. He shared his collection with fellow naturalists and scholars in England, including Sir Joseph Banks and Dr. Daniel Solander, who were members of the Royal Society.Impey was also a patron of the arts in India, which he supported through the commissioning of paintings and the establishment of a school for artists. Many of the works created during this time are considered masterpieces of the Indo-European style and are now held in museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the National Museum in New Delhi.
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Thilakan (July 15, 1935 Ayroor-September 24, 2012 Thiruvananthapuram) also known as Surendranatha Thilakan or Tilakan was an Indian actor. He had six children, Shammi Thilakan, Shaji Thilakan, Shibu Thilakan, Shobi Thilakan, Sonia Thilakan and Sophia Thilakan.
Thilakan acted in over 200 films in Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi cinema. He began his acting career in 1956 with the Malayalam film "Ullathil Nalla Ullam" and went on to establish himself as a versatile actor, known for his powerful performances in character roles. Thilakan won three National Awards for Best Supporting Actor and was a recipient of the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India. He also worked as a drama artist and has performed in plays like "Kalluppini" and "Othello". Thilakan was also a prolific writer, having authored two books - "Swarapanam" and "Aattakkatha" - both of which explore the dynamics of the theater world. He was a revered figure in the Indian film industry and was mourned by fans and fellow actors alike at the time of his passing.
Thilakan's contribution to Malayalam cinema is immeasurable, as he breathed life into every character he played. He was known for his strong dialogue delivery and the ability to portray complex emotions in a nuanced manner. Some of his notable films include "Perumthachan", "Moonnam Pakkam", "Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal", "Kireedam", and "Rithubhedam". He often collaborated with renowned directors like Padmarajan and Bharathan, producing stellar performances that are remembered to this day. Thilakan was also involved in several social causes and was a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). He was a vocal critic of the commercialization of the film industry and believed that cinema should be a tool for social change. His legacy lives on through his children, many of whom have followed in his footsteps and pursued careers in acting.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
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Deven Verma (October 23, 1937-December 2, 2014) also known as Deven Varma, Devvven Verma, Devan Verma, Deven or Devan Varma was an Indian actor, film producer, film director and screenwriter.
He acted in over 100 Bollywood films throughout his career, beginning in the 1960s. Verma was known for his excellent comic timing, and his versatile acting skills. Besides acting, he also produced and directed films such as Besharam, Andaz, and Haath Ki Safai. Verma won the Filmfare Best Comedian Award for Chori Mera Kaam in 1976. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Motion Picture Directors Association in 2005 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. Verma passed away in 2014 at the age of 77 in Pune, India.
Born in Pune, India, Deven Verma had always been interested in acting from a young age. He pursued his passion for acting and made his film debut in 1960 in the film 'Dharmputra'. From there on, he went on to play memorable roles in films like 'Golmaal', 'Angoor', 'Chori Mera Kaam', and 'Chor ke Ghar Chor', to name a few. In addition to Hindi cinema, Verma also acted in a few Marathi films.
Verma was not only a talented actor but also a versatile writer and director. He directed films like 'The Burning Train' and produced movies such as 'Judaai' and 'Khoobsurat', which were huge hits at the box office.
Being a multi-talented personality, Verma was highly respected in the Indian film industry. He was known among his colleagues for his geniality and humble nature. Verma's contribution to the Indian film industry is immense, and his legacy continues to inspire many young actors today.
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Jaggayya (December 31, 1926 Tenali-March 5, 2004 Chennai) also known as "Kanchu Kantam" Jaggayya, Kalavachaspati, Jaggaiah, Kanchu Kantam, Kongara Jaggaiah, Kalavachaspathi or Kanchu Kantam Jaggaiah was an Indian actor, journalist, poet, voice actor and writer.
Jaggayya was born in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh, India. He started his career as a journalist and worked for Andhra Patrika, a leading Telugu daily. Later in his career, he shifted to acting and made his debut with the film "Navarathri" in 1955. He went on to act in over 350 films in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi languages.
In his acting career, Jaggayya was known for his versatility and portrayed a wide range of characters. He was particularly famous for his roles as a villain and gave memorable performances in films like "Kula Gowravam", "Devadasu", and "Rakta Sambandham". He also acted in many mythological films and was considered one of the best actors in the genre.
Apart from acting, Jaggayya was also a prolific writer and poet. He penned several books on poetry and literature and was also a regular contributor to various magazines and newspapers. He was a recipient of several awards including the prestigious "Kalaimamani" award.
Jaggayya was also a talented voice actor and lent his voice to many animated characters in Telugu and Tamil languages. He was the voice of "Bheeshma" in the Telugu version of the epic film "Mahabharat".
Jaggayya's contribution to Indian cinema and literature is immense and he will always be remembered as a legendary actor, writer, and poet.
During his lifetime, Jaggayya was highly respected in the film industry for his professionalism and dedication to his craft. He was also known for his philanthropy work and was actively involved in various social causes. Jaggayya was married to Sowcar Janaki, a renowned actress in the South Indian film industry. Together they had two children, a son named Sathish Kumar and a daughter named Lakshmi. Even after his death, Jaggayya's legacy lives on through his impressive body of work as an actor, writer, poet, and voice actor.
He died in myocardial infarction.
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Vidya Niwas Mishra (January 28, 1928 India-February 14, 2005 Uttar Pradesh) a.k.a. Vidyaniwas Misra was an Indian writer and journalist.
He grew up in Varanasi and obtained his master's degree in Hindi literature from Banaras Hindu University. Mishra then went on to become a prolific writer, publishing over 60 books in his lifetime. He wrote primarily in Hindi and was highly regarded for his works on Indian philosophy, mythology, and spirituality.
Mishra was also an active journalist, working for various Hindi-language publications throughout his career. He was a fearless reporter, known for his investigative journalism and commitment to uncovering the truth. He was also a strong advocate for press freedom and democracy.
In recognition of his contributions to literature and journalism, Mishra was awarded the Padma Shri in 1998, one of India's highest civilian honors. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 77.
In addition to his writings on philosophy and spirituality, Vidya Niwas Mishra was also famous for his translations of ancient Sanskrit texts such as the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Vedas into Hindi. His translations made these texts accessible to a wider audience and contributed significantly to the revival of interest in India's ancient spiritual traditions. Mishra was also a respected scholar of Indian classical music and wrote extensively on the subject.He was a member of the National Advisory Council and the Hindi Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Education. Mishra was also a member of the Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan, the Sahitya Akademi, and the Hindi Samiti. He was a widely respected figure in Indian literature and journalism, and his legacy continues to inspire many aspiring writers and journalists today.
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S. Rajeswara Rao (October 11, 1922 Sivaramapuram-October 25, 1999) otherwise known as Salur Rajeswara Rao, Saluri Rajeshwara Rao, Rao, Rajeswara Rao or S. Rajeshwar Rao was an Indian singer, composer, film score composer and actor. He had nine children, Saluri Poornachandra Rao, Saluri Ramalingeswara Rao, Saluri Koti Durga Prasad, Saluri Vasu Rao, Saluri Koteswara Rao, Ramadevi Rao, Mangamma Rao, Kousalya Rao and Vijayalakshmi Rao.
His discography includes: Chenchu Lakshmi, Missamma, Illalu, Yashoda Krishna and Malliswari.
He died as a result of natural causes.
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Mehr Chand Mahajan (December 23, 1889 India-April 5, 1967) was an Indian judge.
He served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India from 1951 to 1954, and was also the Prime Minister of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir from 1947 to 1953. Mahajan was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and worked closely with famous leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. He is remembered for his contributions to the field of law, particularly in establishing the basis of the Indian legal system. Mahajan was also a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Padma Vibhushan in 1954, and has been honored with a commemorative postage stamp by the Government of India.
Mahajan was born in Jammu and completed his education from Punjab University. He later went on to study law at the University of Oxford, where he obtained a degree of Bachelor of Civil Law. After returning to India, he began his legal career and became a judge in the Punjab High Court in 1934. His notable judgments include the famous A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras case which dealt with fundamental rights in India.
After Independence, Mahajan was appointed as the first Chief Justice of the newly established Federal Court of India in 1948. He played a crucial role in framing the Indian Constitution and was a member of the Constituent Assembly of India. In addition to his legal contributions, Mahajan was also involved in various social and educational causes such as founding the Jammu and Kashmir National Council for Adult Education.
Mahajan passed away in 1967, leaving behind a legacy in the Indian judiciary as one of the most prominent judges of his time.
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Harilal Upadhyay (January 22, 1916 Gujarat-January 15, 1994 Paddhari) a.k.a. Haribhai Kavi was an Indian novelist and astrologer.
He was born in the small village of Pardi in Gujarat and studied at a local school before moving to Mumbai to pursue his education. During his early years, he developed a keen interest in astrology and became an accomplished astrologer, earning the nickname "Haribhai Kavi".
As a writer, Upadhyay is remembered for his contributions to Indian literature in the form of novels, short stories, and essays. Some of his famous works include "Nadibhet", "Vishala Jeevan", "Suryamukhi", and "Sammaan". His writing style was known for its simplicity and clarity, making his works accessible to a wide audience.
Aside from his literary pursuits, Upadhyay was also involved in social and political activities. He participated actively in the Indian independence movement and was associated with various political parties in India.
Upadhyay passed away on January 15, 1994, in his hometown of Paddhari, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of Indian literature and astrology.
He was a recipient of several literary awards during his lifetime, including the Sahitya Akademi award for his novel "Nadibhet". Upadhyay was also a member of the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad, a literary organization dedicated to promoting Gujarati literature.Besides his writing and astrological pursuits, Upadhyay was also actively involved in promoting education and social upliftment. He established a number of schools and libraries in his hometown and was a strong advocate of women's rights.In his later years, Upadhyay withdrew from active politics and focused on his literary and astrological pursuits. He continued to write and publish till the end of his life, leaving behind a body of work that is still admired by readers and scholars alike.
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Seth Govind Das (October 16, 1896-April 5, 1974) was an Indian politician.
He joined the Indian National Congress in 1921 and was actively involved in the Indian independence movement. Das was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and participated in various socio-political movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Salt Satyagraha.
After India attained independence, Das served as a member of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, from 1952 to 1962. He was also a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, from 1962 to 1974.
Das was a staunch advocate of socialism and worked towards the upliftment of the weaker sections of society. He was also a strong proponent of communal harmony and was instrumental in maintaining peace during the tumultuous period of partition.
Apart from his successful political career, Das was also a prolific writer and penned several books on various subjects including history, politics, and social issues. He was widely respected for his contributions to Indian politics and society and continues to be remembered as a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement.
Additionally, Seth Govind Das was born in a small town in Uttar Pradesh and completed his education at the University of Allahabad. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of Gandhi and became an active member of the Congress party at a young age. Das was imprisoned several times during the freedom struggle and spent several years in various jails, including the infamous Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, he remained committed to the cause of India's independence and played a key role in mobilizing the masses in support of the freedom struggle.
After independence, Das worked tirelessly to promote rural development and was a strong advocate for agrarian reforms. He also played an important role in shaping India's foreign policy, particularly in relation to China and the United States. Das was deeply committed to the principles of social justice and equality and worked towards improving the living conditions of marginalized communities.
Despite his many achievements, Seth Govind Das remained a humble and down-to-earth person throughout his life. He was widely respected for his integrity and honesty and was known for his unswerving commitment to public service. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential politicians of his time and continues to inspire generations of Indians with his vision and ideals.
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Mohit Chattopadhyay (June 1, 1934 Barisal District-April 12, 2012) a.k.a. Mohit Chattopadhyaya, Mohit Chatterjee, Mohit Chattopadhya or Mohit Chattopadhaya was an Indian screenwriter, playwright and poet.
He was best known for his contributions to Bengali literature and theatre. Chattopadhyay started his career as a journalist and later transitioned into writing plays and screenplays. Some of his notable works include the plays "Shesher Kobita", "Dushar Pandulipi" and "Nandonik", as well as the screenplays for the films "Jhinder Bandi" and "Pratidwandi". He was a recipient of multiple awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Sahitya Akademi Award. Chattopadhyay's writing focused on social issues and human relationships, and his works continue to influence contemporary Bengali literature and theatre.
Additionally, Mohit Chattopadhyay was a political activist and involved in left-wing politics. He was a member of the Communist Party of India and used his writing as a medium to challenge social and political norms. Chattopadhyay was also a translator, and he translated works from Tagore, Brecht, and Chekhov into Bengali. He published several collections of poems, including "Kavita Agami", "Nanartha Samagra" and "Jibon Jemon". In his later years, he suffered from Parkinson's disease but continued to write and publish works. Chattopadhyay's legacy as a writer and playwright remains influential in the Bengali literary world.
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M. K. Indira (January 5, 1917 India-March 15, 1994) a.k.a. Mandagadde Krishnarao Indira was an Indian writer.
She was born in Mandagadde, a small village in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. Indira started writing at a young age, and her first story was published in a Kannada newspaper at the age of 14. She went on to become one of the most prominent writers of Kannada literature and was the first woman to win the prestigious Jnanpith Award in 1986, for her novel "Avala Mane". Her works often portrayed the struggles and hardships of women in Indian society. Indira also wrote several plays and translated works from English to Kannada. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 1974 for her contributions to literature.
Indira was deeply influenced by the freedom struggle of India and started writing about social and political issues in her works. Her novels and stories were known for their strong female characters and feminist themes. She dealt with various issues like caste discrimination, poverty, and women's rights in her writings. Some of her popular works include "Nirupama", "Bandaya", and "Makkala Koota". Indira was also a member of the Kannada Sahitya Parishad and served as its president from 1980 to 1982. She was actively involved in the promotion of Kannada language and literature. Indira passed away in 1994 at the age of 77. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence Kannada literature to this day.
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