Bangalore, Mar 26: Noted scholar and doyen of Kannada theatre and fine arts Dr H K Ranganath died of a heart attack here today. The 79-year old Ranganath was the honorary director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Gandhi Centre of science and human values. He was involved with the Bhavan for over two decades, Bhavan sources said. Ranganath was involved in promoting Kannada literature and performing arts through the length and breadth of the state. He is survived by wife and three daughters.
His doctoral dissertation on "Karnataka Theatre" has been published by the Karnatak university as the first book in its research series. Ranganath was also the Chairman and Professor of Department of Performing Arts of Bangalore University.

Besides encouraging Yakshagana, a folk art, Ranganath produced outstanding plays of K Shivarama Karanth, G P Rajarathnam, Masti Venkatesha Iyengar and V Seetharamaiah.

Chief Minister S M Krishna has expressed his grief over the demise of Ranganath.

Bureau Report