Mysore/Mysuru: Senior actress Girija Lokesh has regretted that Kannada artistes were not getting their due in their home State Karnataka.

She was speaking at the valedictory of the 20th anniversary of Lalitha Kala Sangha at Maharani’s Science College for Women here on Sunday last.

Noting that Kannadigas are large-hearted in encouraging outside artistes, she stressed on the need for promoting Kannadiga artistes who are no less talented than others.

Advising the youths to take up art as a passion only after securing their life, she  suggested them to gain expertise in their chosen field.

Stating that she learned a lot from the theatre, Girija Lokesh, wife of late actor Lokesh, said that her father-in-law Subbaiah Naidu got his son Lokesh trained in Karnataka and this training pushed the entire family into the film world.

College Principal Prof. S.B. Shanthappanavar, Sangha Convenor T. Sheela Kumari, Prof. T.S. Venugopal, Roopashree and others were present.