When Master Hirannaiah drew curtains on his career

May 11, 2014, On this day, Master Hirannaiah, known for his sharp wit, made a stinging remark against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a felicitation programme in Mysuru.

His remarks did not go down well with Siddaramaiah’s supporters and the Congress workers as they went berserk, vandalising the venue.

Hirannaiah, realising the gravity of the situation, rushed to Siddaramaiah’s residence and said sorry for using unparliamentary words against him.

The political satirist, who had become a household name with his play Lanchavatara announced there and then that he had made his last public appearance.

Addressing the media after coming out of Siddaramaiah’s house, Hirannaiah said, “I am 81-year-old now. I should not have used such foul language against Siddaramaiah who is my good friend. It was a slip of tongue. I feel sorry for whatever I said.”

“I started my career in Mysuru, and it’s irony that I am ending it here. This would be my last public speech,” he said.

Former chief minister Siddaramaiah took it with a pinch of salt saying, “There ends the matter with a person like Hirannaiah repenting for his mistake”. He also requested his supporters and party workers to stop the protest.

The chief minister also instructed the then Mysuru DCP (crime and traffic) Kala Krishnaswamy to ensure the safety of Hirannaiah till he reaches home (in Bengaluru).

The fans and followers of Hirannaiah were not amused by the whole episode. They were unhappy to see their Master saying sorry to a politician.