Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Oct 23: The Mangaluru Press Club held its "Guest of Honour Award" ceremony on Wednesday, recognising actor Aravind Bolar for his contributions to the arts.

Tarnath Gatty Kapikad, president of the Tulu Sahitya Academy, inaugurated the event. In his acceptance speech, Bolar expressed heartfelt gratitude to the media, stating, "I thank the media fraternity for this award. They have supported me throughout my journey and corrected me when I was wrong."

He reflected on the challenges he faced after losing his father at a young age. "My mother struggled to raise us four sons. It was difficult for her to send us to school, and I was unable to receive a proper education. However, I emerged as an artiste with the support of my teachers."

Bolar reminisced about his early days in drama, saying, "In the past, 40 people were involved in drama. My first drama was 'Bhramana Baravu' by Raghav Ullal. Theatre was my daily bread, and everything I have achieved today is because of it. I started my journey in theatre and hope to end it there. The respect I have gained throughout my journey has only increased."

He credited Devdas Kapikad for his growth as an artiste, noting, "I worked under him for several years before collaborating with Vijay Kumar Kodialbail and the Lakumi team. I learned that artistes have the power to attract audiences."

After theatre, Bolar transitioned to Yakshagana, gaining international recognition through the Private Challenge show on Daijiworld TV, which he joined during the pandemic. "The combination of myself and Managing Director Walter Nandalike resonated well with the audience. This show brought us closer to the public’s heart, and it’s why I now travel abroad, receiving love and affection from around the globe."

He concluded with a heartfelt wish, saying, "If I could take rebirth, I would choose to be an artiste again, bringing smiles to others. My childhood was filled with struggles, and on the day of my mother’s passing, I had to perform in a drama—it remains one of the saddest days of my theatre journey."

P B Harish Rai, president of the Press Club, welcomed the gathering, while journalist Harish Motukan served as the event's host. Among those present were Ramakrishna Rao, president of Patrika Bhavana Trust; general secretary Ibrahim Adkastala; and programme convenor Sathish Ira.