About
A novelist at heart, M.R. Dattathri is a seasoned IT professional who has worked for many multinational companies in India and the U.S. He writes in Kannada and English, and all five of his published novels have garnered critical acclaim, winning him several awards. He is the recipient of the Māsti Praśasti (2019), the Book Brahma Best Novel of the Year (2023), the Vardhamana Prashasti (2023), and many more prestigious awards for his literary works. Two of his novels have been translated into Telugu and have been well received there. Dattathri is also a poet and a columnist.
Publications
- Alemari KanasugaLu – Poetry collection, 2002. Publisher: Sringara Prakashana, Bengaluru.
- Poorva-Paschima – The collection of column-writing to OneIndia and Vijaya Karnataka newspaper, 2006. Publisher: Chanda Pustaka Prakashana, Bengaluru.
- Dveepava Bayasi – Novel, 2011, Publisher: Chanda Pustaka Prakashana, Bengaluru.
- Masuku Bettada Daari – Novel, 2014, Publisher: Monohara Granthalaya, Dharwad.
- Paatra-Vaatsalya – Column Writing to Vishwavani, 2016.
- Tarabayiya Patra – Novel, 2018, Publisher: Chanda Pustaka Prakashana, Bengaluru. Published in Telugu with the name Tarabai Lekha by Chaya Resources, Hyderabad.
- Teardrops – Editor and co-translator, selected poems of Dr. H.S. Venkateshamurthy, 2020. Publisher: Notion Press, Chennai
- Ondondu talegU oMdoMdu bele – Novel, 2022. Publisher: Ankita Pustaka, Bengaluru. Translated into Telugu as Okkokka Talakoo Okkokka Vela, in 2023, published by Chaya Resources, Hyderabad.
- SarpaBrame – Novel, 2024. Publisher: Ankita Pustaka, Bengaluru.
- What’s Your Price, Mr. Shivaswamy? – Novel, 2025. Publisher: Penguin Random House India. English translation of the Kannada novel Ondondu talegU oMdoMdu bele by the author.
Awards
- Dr. Ha.Ma. Nayak Award for column writing – 2006
- Suryanarayana Chadaga award for best novel of the year, 2012
- Amma Prashasti – best novel of the year, 2012
- Dr. Narahalli Award for best writing, 2017
- Maasti Award for best novel of the year, 2019
- The best novel of the year 2022 – By Book Brahma, 2023
- Vardhamana Prashasti 2023 – By Vardhamana Peeta, Mudubidiri
- Sunanda Belgaokar Award for Best Novel of the Year – SarpaBrame – 2025
Reviews in The Hindu –