Featured BiographyImage source: StarsUnfolded
Quick Info
Date of birth18 June 1979
Age46 Years (at time of death)
BirthplaceMalleshwaram, Bengaluru
ProfessionAuthor, Publisher
NationalityIndian
Marital statusWidow
SpouseKC Raghu (died 2022)
FamilyDaughter - Upasana Raghu; Father - Keshava Iyengar; Mother - Sulochana; Sisters - 2 (one named Deepamalli); netWorth:
Asha Raghu Biography
Asha Raghu was an Indian writer and publisher from Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, known for novels, short-story collections and plays in Kannada. She worked in教育
Early life and backgroundAsha Raghu was born on 18 June 1979 in the Malleshwaram neighborhood of Bengaluru. She completed her higher education at Bangalore University, earning an M.A. She grew up in a family headed by her parents, Keshava Iyengar and Sulochana, and had two sisters, including one named Deepamalli.
Career
After finishing her formal studies, Asha Raghu began her professional life as a lecturer. While teaching she became involved in writing for performance, contributing dialogues and serving as an assistant director across theatre, television and film. Over time she moved away from academia and focused entirely on literary pursuits and the book-publishing field, combining writing with editorial and publishing responsibilities.
Asha built a substantial body of work in Kannada. Her novels include Avartha (2014), Gata (2020), Maye (2021) and Chittaranga (2024). She also compiled several short-story collections, among them Aparoopada Purana Kathegalu (2018), Aarane Beralu (2020) and Bogaseyalli Kathegalu (2020). Her writing extended to the stage: plays credited to her include Choodamani (2019), Kshamadana (2020), Bangarada Panjara and Poothani Matthithara Natakagalu. A critical study titled Aavarta-Manthana was produced in response to her novel Aavarta, underscoring the attention her fiction received.
Throughout her career she was recognized with multiple regional literary honors. These included the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi Award, the Suryanarayana Chadaga Award, the Palakala Seetaramabhatta Award from the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, the Rajalakshmi Baraguru Ramachandrappa Award from the Raichur Kannada Sahitya Parishat, the Amma Award, and the Triveni Endowment Award from the Karnataka Lekhakiyara Sangha. She was also bestowed the title ‘Sahityamruta Saraswati’ by the Mandya District Kannada Sahitya Parishat.
Public profile
Asha Raghu practiced Hinduism and was a public figure within Kannada literary circles. She combined creative writing with the practical work of publishing and remained active in promoting books. She had an interest in travel and enjoyed playing chess in her spare time.
Family and personal life
Asha was married to writer and food expert K.C. Raghu, who died in 2022. The couple had a daughter, Upasana Raghu; following her husband’s death, Asha lived with her daughter while continuing full-time work as a writer and publisher. Her marital status at the time of her death is listed as widow.
Death and circumstances
Asha Raghu died on 10 January 2026 at her home in Malleshwaram, Bengaluru. She was 46 years old. Her death was reported as suicide; according to family accounts provided to reporters, relatives found her after they entered her home when she did not respond to calls.
Latest updates
At the time of the last update, Asha Raghu’s most recent published work included the 2024 novel Chittaranga and the earlier collections and plays listed above. Her life and work had been the subject of critical attention within Kannada literary communities, and her passing in January 2026 was reported by regional media.
Editorial Review and Sources
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Recent Work
Novel published in 2024
2024Novel published in 2020
2020Novel published in 2021
2021Short-story collection published in 2018
2018Career Highlights
- Worked as a lecturer before shifting to full-time writing and publishing
- Authored several novels, short-story collections and theatre plays in Kannada
- Recipient of multiple regional literary awards, including the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi Award
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Asha Raghu born?
Asha Raghu was born on 18 June 1979.
What is Asha Raghu known for?
Asha Raghu is known for author, Publisher.
What is Asha Raghu’s marital status?
Asha Raghu's marital status is listed as Widow.
Who is Asha Raghu married to?
Asha Raghu is publicly listed as married to KC Raghu (died 2022).

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