A. N. Murthy Rao

A N Murthy Rao (Kannada: ಅಕ್ಕೀಹೆಬ್ಬಾಳು ನರಸಿಂಹ ಮೂರ್ತಿ ರಾವ್) (June 16, 1900—August 23, 2003) was an eminent Kannada author. Bearing a rather long name of Akkihebbalu Narasimha Murthy Rao, he indeed lived to a ripe old age.

Though popular for his atheistic thoughts and writings, he has also written dramas, short stories and in addition headed a couple of government assignments. He was the first director of theKannada & Sanskriti Department, spearheaded by Kengal Hanumanthaiah.

Biography

Born at Akkihebbalu in (Mandya District), he studied in Mysore and later taught English at Mysore University. He was the first Director of Kannada and Culture Department of the Karnataka Government & also presided over the 56th All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held in 1984.

Works

• AaShaDhaBhoothi (Translation of Molière's drama) A Culprit escapes from prison and disguises as a saintly fellow. A respectable gentleman befriends him & offers him his daughter in marriage. But, the burglar escapes from the house before the wedding. However, he pays the price as he is convicted of the crime. This was made into a successful Kannada film Subbashastri starring Kalyan Kumar as the burglar and K S Ashwath as the man of the house.
• Devaru: His popular book that won him admirers, enemies and the Pampa Award from the Karnataka Government. He explains his beliefs of Atheism deftly with a lot of insight into human nature. However, his intentions are to discourage human tendency of depending on external source than self efforts.
• aleyuva mana: Collection of a few Essays.
• Aparavayaskana America Yatre Travelogues written during his visit to America in his 70s.He takes you through Chicago and the Surrounding areas. Gives an insight into the American way of thinking and living.
• sanjegaNNina hinnOTa(Aftersights in the Evening): Autobiography