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Ravi Belagere, the colourful and controversial Kannada journalist, editor, author, anchor and entrepreneur—probably India’s most successful multimedia wordsmith, across platforms—has passed away at age 62. He is survived by two wives, two daughters, and two sons.
#RaviBelagere founded the runaway hit tabloid ‘Hi! Bangalore’; won millions of fans with his crime and music shows on TV; launched a well-regarded school. But the compliment he most liked was to hear autodrivers say: "ಸಕತ್ತಾಗಿ ಬರೀತಾನೆ ನನ್ಮಗ" (bugger writes beautifully).
#RaviBelagere’s output was monstrous. He could write (and re-write) a 24-page issue of his tabloid in a single night over several packs of cigarettes and more than a few drinks. He wrote over 50 books. And he revolutionised journalism with electrifying use of the language.
Like many editors, #RaviBelagere attracted charges of blackmail and extortion. But the Bellary man who came to Bangalore with Rs 380 in his pocket turned it on its head with an annual declaration of his cars, homes, debts and taxes paid. @IndEditorsGuild https://indianjournalismreview.com/2010/10/04/income-outgo-assets-liabilities-profit-and-loss/
#RaviBelagere forged a formidable friendship with Telugu media baron #RamojiRao. As a former crime reporter, he hosted a TRP-rattling crime show every night—and on weekends, as a Sahitya Akademi award-winning writer, brought classy poetry, literature and music to Kannadiga homes.
#RaviBelagere was weighed down by ill-health—and the souring of old friendships—in recent years. But as a man wedded to the word, spoken or written, he has few peers. Khushwant Singh, whom he saw as his mentor, would be pleased with a life well lived. https://indianjournalismreview.com/2012/04/11/journalists-vs-journalist-in-bangalore-free-for-all/
