Mysuru: Renowned theatre person and Mysuru’s own Bhagirathi Bai Kadam took charge as the new Director of Rangayana here this morning.

She was welcomed by Rangayana Deputy Director Nirmala Matapathi with a bouquet.

Expressing happiness at being recognised for such a coveted post, Bhagirathi Bai said, “It is a home-coming for me. I will work honestly and try to realise the dreams of B.V. Karanth, the founder of Rangayana and the doyen of theatre movement in the country. It is a happy coincidence that I am the ninth Director and I also happen to be the ninth and the last child in my family of four brothers and five sisters.”

Bhagirathi Bai took charge in the presence of her family members that included her elder brothers Janardhan Rao Kadam, Ramachandra Rao Kadam, sisters Vidya Bai and Tulasa Bai, brothers-in-law Tukaram Gadhe and Panduranga Pawar, well-known actors and theatre artistes Prakash Belawadi and Mime Ramesh, artistes and staff from Rangayana.

Bhagirathi Bai has two daughters Barka Bahar and Jia Bahar.

Involve special children

In a brief exclusive interview to Star of Mysore, Bhagirathi Bai Kadam recalled her journey and her involvement in the theatre movement.

“It was a 30-year penance for me and my journey began when my brother Lakshman Rao Kadam and my sister-in-law Veda introduced me to Ninasam in Shivamogga. However, one cannot compare it with Rangayana as each one offers different experiences.”

She said that one of her plans was to involve special children in theatre. Recalling her involvement in Seagull Theatre, which she and her husband Baharul Islam, well-known in the world of Assamese theatre, started, she said, “We started the theatre against heavy odds as Assam is surrounded by insurgents. Just as Assam is known for Brahmaputra river, Mysuru is famous for Cauvery and I would strive hard for the confluence of these two rivers.”

Stressing on the role of women in theatre, she said that she had plans to focus on women-centric plays and also on all-women ones. She reminisced on the influence of not only B.V. Karanth but also Jnanpith awardee Dr. U.R. Ananthamurthy and K.V. Subbanna of Ninasam.  

Asked on how she felt when she received the National Award for her role in a Assamese film along with Dr. Rajkumar, who won the Dadasaheb Palke Award, she said that it was a lifetime experience to receive the award when the legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar also received the prestigious award.

“I will reach out to the highly talented artistes who have been working here since the inception of Rangayana and also the budding actors. I am an optimist and will make all efforts to take Rangayana to greater heights with the support of everyone connected with this unique theatre repertory,” said Bhagirathi Bai, signing off.