Industrialist Khoday was a philanthropist; started city's first pub

Industrialist, liquor baron and film producer Srihari Khoday died due to an illness on Monday. He was 78. He is survived by his wife, three sons and two daughters.

He was being treated at Mallige Medical Care Centre on Crescent Road, Madhavanagar for diabetes and age-related complications. He failed to respond to treatment and died at 8.05 pm, said a senior doctor from the hospital.

“He was in hospital for over a month. He had severe infection and diabetes-related complications. Khoday was in a state of shock and could not respond to treatment," he said.

The final rites would take place at Amrit Mahal Estate around 3 pm on Tuesday.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar and others have mourned the demise of Khoday. “Srihari Khoday’s demise is the biggest loss to the society and to his family,” Shettar said.

Khoday Lakshmansa Srihari was born on April 26, 1938 and educated in Bengaluru. He has been vice chairman and managing director of Khoday India Ltd since January 1, 2011 and has been its director since September 28, 1965. He steered the business of the Khoday Group of companies for over 40 years through his business knowledge, acumen, dynamism and practical approach.

He was a philanthropist of renown and has single handedly taken upon himself the ongoing project of relocating and restoring the ancient Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple near Mysuru which was submerged after the construction of the Krishnaraja Sagar dam.

He was member of the Share Transfer cum Investor Grievances Committee of Directors of the Company. He was a director in 10 public companies and 35 private companies in the Khoday Group.

Srihari Khoday was the biggest land bank holder in Karnakata. He founded the Urs Samyuktha Paksha. He launched the first pub in Bengaluru.

Srihari Khoday was also a great patron of fine arts and promoted sports. He was an admirer of K S Narasimhaswamy’s poetry. He has produced award-winning movies such as Santha Shishunala Sharifa, Mysuru Mallige, Nagamandala and yet-to-be released Allama Prabhu directed by T S Nagabharana.

He had friends in all political parties. He was known for precision in perceiving things. Though he did not complete his graduation, he helped and guided many students in completing their research works.