Kannada dialogue writer T.G. Nandish passes away at 37 due to cardiac arrest; industry mourns another tragic loss

The Kannada film and television industry is mourning yet another heartbreaking loss even before the grief over actor-producer Dileep Raj’s demise has faded. Kannada film and television dialogue writer T. G. Nandish passed away on Tuesday (May 20) following a cardiac arrest. He was 37.

Nandish’s sudden demise has left his family members, friends, colleagues, and admirers in deep shock and sorrow. Popularly known as 'Teerthahalli Nandish,' he was widely appreciated for his passion for literature, cinema, and television writing.

Apart from writing dialogues for Kannada films and serials, Nandish had also worked as a writer for several movies. He was known for projects including Ondanke Kaadu and Doordarshan. He had earlier worked with Chittara magazine as well.

In recent years, Nandish had moved back to his hometown, Teerthahalli, after the COVID-19 pandemic. While continuing his film and television projects, he also spent time managing farming activities on his plantation. Friends and fans often admired the peaceful life he built amidst nature along with his wife, children, and mother.

Nandish had also built a strong following on social media through his thoughtful writings shared under the name 'Nandi Writes.' His observations on cinema, cricket, and current affairs earned him appreciation from readers online.

In a tragic irony, just a week ago, Nandish had penned an emotional social media post mourning the demise of Dileep Raj. Following his own sudden death, the post has now gone viral on social media.

In the post, he had written, “Even now, it is difficult to digest the news that Dileep Raj is no more. It feels impossible to believe that an artist who always lived for art suffered a heart attack.”

He had also fondly recalled working on the serials Paru and Radha Kalyana under Dhriti Creations. Nandish had described Dileep Raj’s wife Vidya as his constant support and wrote emotionally about the couple’s journey together.

“They built their life journey together like a pair of oxen pulling in harmony. We had spent time chatting and dining together. Now the pain of Dileep Raj not being with us is unbearable. I pray God gives Vidya madam and their children the strength to overcome this grief,” he had written.

According to close family sources, Nandish complained of chest pain on Tuesday morning but initially dismissed it as gastric discomfort. However, his condition later worsened. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to a cardiac arrest later in the afternoon.

His untimely demise has shocked many, especially because he appeared healthy, active, and cheerful, with no known health complications. He had reportedly shared a Facebook post earlier the same morning.

Several friends, colleagues, and fans have been expressing grief and disbelief over his passing on social media. Many also pointed out the tragic irony that cardiac arrests are often associated with stressful urban lifestyles, whereas Nandish was leading a calm and peaceful life in the greenery of Teerthahalli.

Family sources have confirmed that the last rites of T. G. Nandish will be performed on Wednesday (May 21) at 12:30 PM in Maluru village of Teerthahalli taluk.

His sudden passing is being described as an irreparable loss to both his family and the Kannada entertainment industry.