He was a very talented actor/writer/director. His role as Swami's father in Malgudi days, and as director for Cheluvi (Kannada) are some of the finest.
The founder member of the Theatre Academy of Pune, Alekar said he knew Karnad personally since 1970s, when the latter was heading the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune.
I consider myself lucky to have watched some of his best plays- Taledanda & Hayavadana. A great learned and multi talented person, Om Shanti to the departed Soul.
He Was great in many aspects ; it requires a lot of spine to dump the president post of Oxford Press and get back to the career of Writing novels, Plays in Kannada language. It was the golden era of Kannada literature, when the writers were awarded almost 6 Jnanapeetha awards.
Apart from acting and writing, he was a great dancer too. If anyone has watched Anand Bhairavi movie can make out his dancing skills. He was participating in Yakshagana festivals as well.
RIP