Mysore/Mysuru: “Harikatha Vidwan R. Gururajulu Naidu was a theatre artiste and also created great impression in the film industry,” said Mandya Ramesh, veteran theatre actor.

He was speaking at the valedictory of ‘Sri Gururajulu Naidu Memorial Theatre Festival’ organised together by Sri Rajeshwari Vastralankara Rangatanda and Department of Kannada and Culture, Mysuru, at Mini Theatre in Kalamandira premises in city on Sunday.

“Since childhood, Vid. Gururajulu was passionate about music and drama. He showed interest towards music and started learning it after he moved from Mysuru to Bengaluru with his family. He started watching theatre plays with his friends and later began to perform in plays. He excelled in every field including plays, harikathe, cinema and was appreciated by one and all,” he said.

“Vid. Naidu founded Sri Jayabharathi Kala Sangha and acted in various plays like Kempegowda, Hechchema Nayaka, Shivaji etc. As a child, he dreamt of acting with his father at ‘Gubbi Viranna’ Drama Company. He also got a chance to fulfil his dream and was praised for his performance. Gururajulu had acted with renowned artiste M.N. Gangadharaya in a few dramas. But, in people’s memory he has remained as Harikatha Artiste. His unique singing, acting and gesture has brought a new dimension to Harikatha performances,” Ramesh said.

“Gururajulu has rendered Harikathas on Renuka Devi Mahatme, Bhu Kailasa, Bheema Jarasandha, Bhakta Sudhama, Bhakta Markandeya, Bhakta Siriyala, Mayabazar, Nalla Tangadevi, Gaja Gowri Vrata, Sri Krishna Garudi, Lava Kusha, Girija Kalyana, Mooruvare Vajragalu, Kiraatarjuna, Satya Harischandra, Uttarana Pourusha, Chandrahasa, Maruthi Vijaya, Santa Sakkubai, Ayappa Swamy, Babruvahana, Nala Damayanti, Shani Prabhava, Ramayana (4 Parvas), Bhakta Kumbara, Lankadahana and many other mythological stories,” he added.

“Gururajulu had donned the role of Chand Khan in the play Hechchema Nayaka, Ravana’s role in Sri Rama Vijaya. He was also praised for his role Ramakanth in Subbaiah Naidu Company’s play Bhakta Ambareesha. It is fortunate that we have come across such a talented person,” he concluded.

On the occasion, artistes of Rangakeertana Sampada, Mallasandra, Tukamuru, staged  mythological play ‘Srirama Paduka.’

Prof. H.S. Umesh, veteran theatre artiste, H. Chennappa, Assistant Director of Department of Kannada and Culture, Janata Bazar Ramaiah, Narasimha Murthy, H.B. Yashoda, President, Sri Rajeshwari Vastralankara Rangatanda; C.M. Mahalinga, Santhosh Kusnur, B.M. Ramachandra of Sri Rajeshwari Vastralankara and others were present at the programme.