Daijiworld Media Network – Mysuru
Mysuru, Jul 11: Renowned Kannada novelist and litterateur C N Mukta passed away on Friday morning at a private hospital in Mysuru following an illness. She was 75.
Her mortal remains were kept at her residence on Double Tank Road near the RTO Circle in Lakshmipuram for the public to pay their last respects. The last rites were performed on Friday afternoon at the electric crematorium at the foothills of Chamundi Hill in Mysuru.
Mukta, who remained unmarried, is survived by her brother and sister.
Born in Chitradurga, she was the daughter of former headmaster C B Narasimhamurthy. Her brother, C B Jayaraya, is a noted theatre artiste.
After completing her BA from Maharani's College, Mysuru, and BEd from a Government College, she began her career as an English teacher in government high schools across Karnataka. She later served as a headmistress before opting for voluntary retirement after more than 25 years of service.
Her literary journey began with her debut novel Ashraya, which paved the way for a distinguished writing career. She went on to author more than 75 novels and over 15 short story collections, including Anavarana, Aparichitaru, Jeevana Chakra, Amrutamayi, Sukhada Sopana, Kshamaya Dharitri, Dada Serida Nauke and Vimukti. Many of her works were serialised in leading Kannada weeklies and earned a wide readership.
Her novels Sukhada Sopana and Kshamaya Dharitri were adapted into television serials. She also wrote stories for the Kannada films Doni Saagali, directed by Rajendra Singh Babu, and Miss California, directed by Kodlu Ramakrishna.
Mukta was the recipient of several prestigious honours, including the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award and the Attimabbe Award, in recognition of her immense contribution to Kannada literature.
Her demise has been widely mourned by literary enthusiasts, eminent personalities and members of various fields across the state.