Master Hirannaiah

Hirannaiah or Hirannayya, known by his stage name Master Hirannaiah (15 February 1934 – 2 May 2019), was an Indian actor in the Kannada film industry and a theatre artist in Karnataka, India.

Hirannaiah was born in Mysore, Karnataka on 15 February 1934.

His father K. Hirannaiah too was an Indian actor, director, and writer in the Kannada film industry and a theatre artist in the state.

His mother was Sharadamma.

After finishing primary education in Banumayya Middle school, Hirannaiah completed intermediate in Sharada Vilas, Mysore, Karnataka.

In his childhood days, he distributed newspaper Sadhvi to fund his education, while actively participating in drama and theatre plays.

After his father's death, Hirannaiah took over the management of the K.Hirannaiah Mitra Mandali, which was founded by his late father.

Later he became actor, director and administrator of the theatre company.

Master Hirannaiah was part of more than 30 movies in Kannada.

His notable drama plays include Lanchavathara, Double Thaali, Kanya Dahana, Sanyasi Samsara, Chamachavathara, Haasyadalli Ulta Palta, Kapi Mushti, Nadubidi Narayana, Bhrashtachaara, Anaachaara, with Lanchavathara playing more than 11 thousand times, over a span of 45 years, performing in countries like United States, Australia, Singapore, and England.

Master Hirannaiah established the Hirannaiah Award, in memory of his father who was known popularly as "cultural comedian" or "cultured comedian".

Hirannaiah Awards are presented on behalf of Karnataka Nataka Academy, to theatre artists (native name: Rangamukhagalu) for their notable drama works.

First award ceremony was held on 17 April 2010, at the Jaganmohan Palace auditorium in Mysore, Karnataka.

His films include ...Re (2016), Care of Footpath 2 (2015), No. 73, Shanthi Nivasa (2007).

Hirannaiah died on 2 May 2019 at a hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka of complications from liver disease, aged 85.