Dubai: Chandru Conferred 'Dhwani Sriranga' Award, Kannada Play Staged
Pics by Deepak D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Mar 31: 'Ashadada Ondu Dina', an original play by Rakesh Mohan, translated to Kannada by Siddalinga Pattansetty, was presented by Dhwani Pratistana on Friday March 30 at the Emirates Theatre here.
The play based on the story of Kalidasa and Mallika was directed by Dhwani Pratistana founder Prakash Rao Payyar.
The local talents from Dubai who presented the play won appreciation from the audience. The three-hour play was enacted by Donald Correa, Asha Correa, Prathima Shetty, Prabhakar Kamath, Sudharsha Hegde, Lavina Fernandes, Ashok Anchan, Sampath Shetty, Reshma Pereira and others. Ketan provided live music for the play.
The play was specially staged to mark the 27th anniversary of Dhwani Pratistana.
Mukhyamantri Chandru, noted Kannada theatre artiste, film and TV actor, and currently member of the Karnataka legislative council, was conferred 'Sriranga' award for his notable contribution to Kannada theatre.
He appreciated Dhwani Pratistana for promoting Kannada language, culture and art in this part of the world through its selfless service.
"Though I do not deserve this award, I accept it humbly and remain grateful to you for recognising my contribution to theatre," he said, adding that he felt proud more for being a theatre artiste than as a cinema and TV actor. "Theatre has always given me enormous satisfaction, and theatre is the only form which provides you the platform to present your real talent."
Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Dr Nallur Prasad was the chief guest. He invited Kannadigas in the UAE, specially Kannada organizations, to join Kannada Parishat in Karnataka and get voting rights.
India's ambassador to the UAE M Lokesh, entrepeneur Ravish Gowda, Satish of Chilly Willy, Shekhar Shetty of Arab Udupi, Ramachandra Hegde of Amchigele Samaj, and Prakash Payyar were present on the dais.
Roshan Arthur Pereira proposed the vote of thanks.
Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha president and Karnataka Rajyotsva award winner Sarvotham Shetty compered the entire event with his 'golden voice' and splendid command over Kannada language.
There was no entry fee for the play.