Writer, publisher and entrepreneur, Indira Lankesh passes away at 83 in Bengaluru

Indira Lankesh, a figure whose life was deeply intertwined with modern Kannada literature and journalism, died Monday at her Bengaluru home. She was 83.

Lankesh was a writer, publisher, and entrepreneur. Her autobiographical work, "Hulimavu Mattu Nanu," serialized in Gauri Lankesh Patrike, is considered a landmark memoir by women in Kannada literature. She also built a successful saree business from scratch, founding Mayur Silks and Textiles in 1979, which provided financial stability for her family during uncertain times.

Her husband, writer and journalist P. Lankesh, founded the Kannada tabloid Lankesh Patrike in 1980. While he was the public face, Indira Lankesh played a crucial role in the publication's administration, growth, and publishing operations. She continued to write and remain engaged in book publishing throughout her life.

Political leaders and members of Karnataka's literary community paid tribute to Lankesh. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah noted that her support was essential to her husband's achievements in literature, media, and cinema. He recalled a close association with Indira Lankesh and her children. Lankesh is survived by her daughter Kavita Lankesh, son Indrajith Lankesh, and their families. Her eldest daughter, journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, was tragically killed in 2017.

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The achievements of P. Lankesh in the fields of literature, media and cinema would not have been possible without the immense support and contribution of Indira Lankesh.