Shivamogga:  Veteran theatre artiste and writer S. Malathi (66), passed away at a private hospital in Manipal yesterday.

Malathi, an alumnus of National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, has translated many English plays and has acted in over 100 plays.

She had also directed several plays including Kerege Hara, Yayathi and Hayavadana. She had acted in a few movies too.

Malathi was staying in Sagar for the last two decades and had set up Prajnaranga troupe which was actively involved in theatre activities.

She had won the annual award instituted by ‘Chandana’ TV channel and other awards.

The last rites were performed in Sagar yesterday evening.

Tributes: Rangayana Director Bhagirathibai Kadam has expressed grief over the passing away of Malathi. She said that Malathi was an inspiration for women for her motivational roles in plays and also as a Director, writer and critic. Theatre has suffered a big loss, she added.

MLA Harathalu Halappa, former Minister Kagodu Thimmappa and others have also condoled the death of Malathi.