Mysore/Mysuru:  Senior Theatre artist of the city, Rajashekhar Kadamba and his wife,  were felicitated on the theatre artiste’s 75th birthday at a programme organised by Mysuru District Kannada Sahitya Parishat at Kirurangamandira in Kalamandira premises on Hunsur road here recently.

Speaking on the occasion, theatre scholar Prof. C.V. Sridhar Murthy said that Rajashekhar Kadamba is a pillar of  many amateur theatre groups of the city. Recalling the long journey of Kadamba, who came from a small village named Gottigere, Sridhar Murthy said that many theatre artists, directors and organisers grew up under Kadamba. Stating that Kadamba is a person who mingles freely with others, Prof. Sridhar Murthy said that his contribution                                              to the theatre will always be remembered.

Actor Mandya Ramesh who spoke after releasing the documentary on Rajashekhar Kadamba named ‘Rangasindhu,’ said that Kadamaba                                                        has lived a purposeful life. Noting that Kadamba was more an acclaimed theatre organiser than an artiste or a director, he said that the senior theatre artiste must be credited for bringing poet laureate Kuvempu and thespian actor Dr. Rajkumar on a single platform. 

Lauding Kadamba for his organisational skills, he said that the veteran artiste has never been discriminatory.

Referring to the recently held  ‘Bahuroopi’ National Theatre festival, Mandya Ramesh said that the festival was a huge success. Stressing on the need for Government funding for theatre activities, the Natana Director said that the Rs. 4-crore government grant played a vital role in the success of the theatre festival.

Kannada and Culture Assistant Director H. Channappa released ‘Kadamba 75 Chitra Samputa’ on the occasion.

Mysore University Journalism Department faculty Niranjan Vanalli, theatre Director H.S. Umesh, District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Y.D. Rajanna, office-bearers Jayappa Honnali, K.S. Nagaraj and Ramprasad and former Presidents Maddikere Gopal and M. Chandrasekhar were present.