Mysuru, Sept.3 (PM&US)- “Owners of theatre companies should always treat the artistes with respect which was strictly followed by late Gubbi Veeranna,” recalled theatre artiste and granddaughter of Gubbi Veeranna Dr. B. Jayashree.

She was speaking on the life and achievements of Gubbi Veeranna at the inaugural programme of the lecture series Ranga Dhwani, organised by Gubbi Veeranna Rangapeetha of University of Mysore at the premises of Fine Arts College in Manasagangothri here on Saturday.

Speaking on the life of Gubbi Veeranna, Jayashree recalled that her grandfather began his theatre career from a scratch as a manual worker, then as a ticket seller and later as a designer and performing small roles. His performance as a thief in the play Sadarame was very well appreciated which identified his acting prowess and eventually took him to great heights, said Jayashree adding that artistes used to work hard to reach out to the audience in the absence of microphone and other equipment.

Going a bit personal, Jayashree said that Gubbi Veeranna married three women, under different circumstances, one took care of the family, another managed the Theatre Company, while the third one managed cinema matters. In short, she said that four strengths contributed to the success of Gubbi Veeranna.

Speaking on the present generation, Jayashree bemoaned that Google is a deemed ‘Guru’ for knowledge for youth which is not appropriate. She contended that she was not against modern technology but maintained that addiction for anything is not good.

Inaugurating the programme, UoM Registrar Dr. Lingaraj Gandhi observed that students were showing less inclination towards art, literature and culture in this world of globalisation and privatisation. Hence he contended that it was a tough propositions for the University to promote art and culture.

Jayashree was felicitated on the occasion.

Visibly upset

Jayashree was visibly upset at the poor upkeep of the auditorium where the function was held.

She recalled that great artistes had presented memorable programmes at the auditorium which now stands in a deplorable state.

She squarely blamed the University authorities for negligence and put the blame on students also for their nonchalance over the matter.

Fine Arts College Principal Dr. C. Ramaswamy, Rangapeetha Advisor and Theatre Artiste Mandya Ramesh and others were present.