T. S. Shanbhag

T. S. Shanbhag (2 May 19374 May 2021) was an Indian bookseller who was the owner of Bangalore's famous Premier Bookshop.

Early life Shanbhag was born on 2 May 1937 in Kundapur in modern day coastal Karnataka. He started his career working at his uncle's book store, Strand Book Stall, in Bombay after completion of his matriculation. After ten years in the city, he moved to Bangalore when his uncle started a book club, Strand Book Club, in partnership with a publisher. The book store was known for its chaotic arrangement with piles of books stacked up and Shanbhag navigating the setup and making recommendations for the customers. Referred to as Shanbhag Uncle by the younger generation, he was credited with getting an entire generation of young Bangaloreans to read.

Personal life Shanbhag was married and had a daughter, and lived in the Basaveshwaranagar neighborhood in West Bangalore. He died on 4 May 2021 from complications of COVID-19. He was aged 84.