Girish Karnad

Girish Karnad was an Indian playwright whose Kannada dramas drew on history, mythology, and folk traditions to examine modern political and existential concerns. His major plays included *Yayati*, *Tughlaq*, and *Nagamandala*, while his work as an actor and film director extended his influence across Indian theatre and cinema. A Rhodes Scholar and recipient of the 1998 Jnanpith Award, Karnad also held prominent cultural and arts-administration roles.