It is ironic that renowned satirist Master Hirannaiah, who lampooned politicians and political parties on stage all his life, was forced to apologise to a politician in real life and announce his withdrawal from public activity after an incident in Mysuru.

The incident happened on May 11, 2014, when Mr. Hirannaiah was being felicitated at Nadabrahma Sangeetha Sabha for his contribution to performing arts and culture by Naganava Kala Sahitya Vedike.

While delivering the acceptance speech, Mr. Hirannaiah used unparliamentary words against then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on the stage, which left many baffled.

As news spread, a few Congress supporters barged into the venue and created a ruckus. Mr. Hirannaiah, who had left the venue by then, learnt of the developments and hastened to apologise for his remarks.

When the situation refused to quieten down, Mr. Hirannaiah rushed to Mr. Siddaramaiah’s house at Sharada Devi Nagar in the city and offered apologises. Mr. Siddaramaiah asked party workers to disperse and treat it as a closed chapter. He, later, provided police escort to Mr. Hirannaiah for his journey back to Bengaluru. However, shaken by the incident, Mr. Hirannaiah announced his withdrawal from public life and from making speeches.

Incidentally, Mr. Siddaramaiah was among the first to pay his respects to Mr. Hirannaiah on hearing of his death.