Senior journalist and Tamil writer N.V Sankaran, popularly known as Gnani, passed away in the early hours of Monday at his home in Chennai. Gnani, who was 64, had been suffering from kidney ailments, according to The Indian Express.
Gnani, apart from taking on social and political issues, explored Tamil literature and was a connoisseur of street drama and theatre. He co-founded ‘Veedhi’, Chennai’s first street theatre group. He has extensively written on social and political events and has several plays and books to his name. Some of his plays have been produced in Tamil, English and various other Indian languages.
Gnani was the editor of the Tamil magazine, Dheemtharikida, and wrote regular columns for various English and Tamil publications.
Condolences poured in, with Rajinikanth saying, “He’s a friend of mine and I am a fan of his writings.”
. @superstarrajini paid his last respects to Writer #GnaniSankaran who passed away few hours ago..
He told the media after paying homage, “Gnani was my friend.. I am fan of his writings..” pic.twitter.com/qcYah0V8FH
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) January 15, 2018
Heart goes out to #GnaniSankaran sir’s family. Glad to have done a drama play with him directing it, years back. An amazing personality and a kind soul. RIP sir.
— Ashok Selvan (@AshokSelvan) January 15, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family of veteran writer-journalist #GnaniSankaran. May his soul rest in peace ! pic.twitter.com/fNHNhCuYkn
— R Sarath Kumar (@realsarathkumar) January 15, 2018
He is survived by his wife and son. His body has been kept at his KK Nagar residence, and the final rites will be held around 4 pm on Monday. As per his wish, his family is planning to donate his body to the Madras Medical College.
