KATHMANDU: Peter J Karthak, the author of Pratyek Thhaun: Pratyek Manchhe, has passed away at Nepal Cancer Hospital, Lalitpur on Wednesday morning. He was 77.

Karthak, who was diagnosed with neck cancer two weeks ago, succumbed to the disease while undergoing treatment.

The doctors at Nepal Cancer Hospital suggested him chemotherapy, and the process was initiated last week. Karthak was at home until Monday. His condition deteriorated, and was put on a ventilator yesterday.

He was a writer, musician, and a journalist. His first book in Nepali, Pratyek Thhaun, won the prestigious Sajha Purashkar in 1978. It was translated into English, titled Every Place: Every Person, in 2004.

Boron in Shillong in 1943, Karthak grew up in Darjeeling. He came to Kathmandu in 1965 and spent the rest of his life here.