Remembering M.K. Indira, a writer who penned renaissance with simplicity and candor

The day, 5th of January, marks M.K. Indira's 104th birth anniversary. Her acclaim as one of the best and most sensible writers in Kannada precedes her even today with many of Kannada Cinema's gems becoming testaments over time to her prowess. Despite any formal training or education, or a prominent literature background, M.K. Indira ploughed her way into a literary scene that was mainly male-dominated at the time.
Those who knew her, recognized her to be the most affable and warm individual who was devoid of any arty flair or intellectual pretense that most writers possess. Her demeanor was akin to that of any familial figure, an article suggests, and even though she found tremendous success from the word go, she wouldn't let the fame and acclaim get to her head.
As many as eight novels of M.K. Indira have been adapted into films with the likes of Puttanna Kanagal and Prema Karanth citing her to be quite influential. Puttanna Kanagal, whose many films explored women's identity and relationships, adapted 'Gejje Pooje' in 1969 which starred Kalpana in the lead, Prema Karanth became the first woman director of Kannada cinema by virtue of 'Phaniyamma' in 1983. 'Phaniyamma', the film, won the National Award in the Best Feature Film in Kannada category while M.K. Indira's 1977 novel of the same name won the revered Sahithya Academy Award.

Interestingly, according to an online entry, M.K. Indira began her literary career at the age of 45 and it was her meeting with writer Triveni (Anasuya Shankar) who, despite being more than 10 years younger, was able to instill faith and confidence in Indira about her writing. Over the next two decades, M.K. Indira became one of the most prolific writers of Kannada literature with as many as 44 books to her name. She passed away on the 15th of March, 1994, at the age of 77.