Masti Venkatesha Iyengar, popularly known as Masti, was a renowned Indian writer and poet who primarily wrote in the Kannada language. He was born on June 6, 1891, in Masti, a village in the present-day Karnataka state, India. Masti is considered one of the pioneers of modern Kannada literature and is often referred to as "Masti Kannadada Aasti" (Masti is the essence of Kannada).
Masti began his literary career as a translator and went on to become a prolific writer in various genres, including novels, short stories, essays, and poetry. His works often depicted social issues, human emotions, and the complexities of human relationships. Masti's writings reflected his deep understanding of the human psyche and his keen observation of society.
Some of Masti's notable works include novels like "Chikkaveera Rajendra," "Datu," and "Timirabarani," and short story collections like "Kannadiya Neeleyadali," "Channabasava Nayaka," and "Nagamandala." His writings were known for their simplicity, vivid imagery, and insightful portrayal of characters. Masti's storytelling skills, coupled with his ability to address relevant social issues, earned him a wide readership and critical acclaim.
Masti's contributions to literature were widely recognized, and he
received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was the
first recipient of the Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honor,
in 1967 for his novel "Chikkaveera Rajendra." Masti was also conferred
with the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Soviet Land Nehru Award, and the
Rajyotsava Award, among others.