and, in later years, his popularity, as a platform to fight religious fundamentalism and defend freedom of expression. Despite receiving numerous death threats, he never backed down from expressing his views.

In April, he was among some 200 writers from across the country who put out an open letter against the "politics of hate".

In September last year, he was charged for holding a placard that read "Me Too Urban Naxal" at an event to mark one year of journalist Gaur Lankesh's murder. He had protested against the house arrest of five activists who were accused of links with Maoists.

In 2015 he joined a group of activists protesting the beef ban in Maharashtra. That same year, he received death threats for his comment that the Bengaluru airport should be namedafter 18th century ruler Tipu Sultan, a much-debated figure in history.

Speaking to NDTV at that time, he said, "The controversy does not bother me or surprise me. I have been through it before. If we are a mature democracy then we can have mature dialogue."

His son has conveyed that there should no flowers, wreaths and VIP visitors to his father's funeral. He has also ruled out a procession.

Girish Karnad was awarded the Padma Shri in 1974 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992. Considered a gifted litterateur, he was also awarded the Jnanpith award in 1998..

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the actor-playwright on Twitter. "His works will continue being popular in the years to come," PM Modi wrote.

Girish Karnad will be remembered for his versatile acting across