Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jun 27: Renowned journalist and former Associate Editor of Deccan Herald, N C Gundu Rao, breathed his last in Bengaluru on Thursday evening. He was 78.

According to family sources, Rao had been ailing for the past few days and passed away around 6 pm at his daughter's residence.

A towering figure in Karnataka’s journalistic circles, Rao began his career with Deccan Herald as a proofreader. With an unwavering dedication to the craft of journalism, he steadily rose through the ranks to become Associate Editor, playing a key role in shaping the newspaper’s editorial direction and newsroom operations for nearly a decade. His association with the publication spanned an impressive 35 years, during which he also served as Chief Reporter and held several pivotal positions.

Rao was widely respected for his sharp intellect, incisive writing, and fearless commentary on Karnataka’s political landscape and social issues. His fortnightly column in Deccan Herald, which he penned from 1992 until his retirement in 2005, earned him a loyal readership across the state.

Apart from politics, Rao was also deeply passionate about Kannada cinema and was a seasoned film critic, having reviewed hundreds of films over his career.

Post-retirement, he returned to his native Shivamogga, where he lived a peaceful life away from the limelight.

He is survived by his wife Usha and daughters, Sapna and Sahyadri. The final rites will be conducted in Bengaluru on Friday.

His passing marks the end of an era for Karnataka journalism, leaving behind a rich legacy of fearless reporting and insightful commentary.