Legendary Kannada film producer GN Lakshmipathy dies at 104

Bengaluru: GN Lakshmipathy, the 104-year –old Kannada film producer passed away on Thursday (May 16).

He was born at Gubbi in Tumakuru district, Karnataka. His family had a close relationship with Gubbi Veeranna, an Indian theatre director and artist, and also, a pioneer in Kannada theatre. Since he grew up watching the legend, naturally he started developing an interest in films. He started making memorable and quality films.

GN Lakshmipathy turned a producer with his movie Devara Makkalu in 1970 starring Rajkumar and Jayanthi, both well-known for their contribution to Kannada cinema. GN Lakshmipathy had produced several movies, including landmark movies in the history of Kannada cinema. Some of the movies that he produced were Uyyale, directed by Lakshminarayan, Ondanondu Kaladalli, directed by Shankar Nag, Kaadu, directed by Girish Karnad, to name a few.

GN Lakshmipathy’s films were screened not only in Karnataka, but also at international film festivals. His tremendous contribution is well-known and has been recognized by the government of Karnataka. Keeping his contribution in mind, he was honoured with Dr Vishnuvardhan Award in 2017 by the state government.

GN Lakshmipathy was given credit for introducing actor, screenwriter, director and producer, Shankar Nag, and Jnanapith awardee Girish Karnad to films.

After having produced many remarkable movies in Sandalwood, the centenarian film producer breathed his last on Thursday, May 16. He passed away due to age-related ailments at the age of 104. He is survived by his sons, L Ramakrishna and L Gopinath and daughters, Vijayalakshmi Sreenivasan and Prema Sundar.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce expressed its condolences over GN Lakshmipathy’s death.

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• GN Lakshmipathy
• death
• Kannada
• film producer