Panaji, Sep 18 (TOI): Though the sale of books based on Konkani dramas sell well, people shy away from watching Konkani dramas at halls citing a lack of interest or the cost of tickets, Konkani scholars and drama stakeholders said. The waning interest in Konkani drama comes at a time when Konkani tiatr continues to attract a full house across Goa.

These observations were made by various speakers at the half day Konkani seminar on 'Konknni nattok ani somazacher tacho probhav' (Konkani drama and its influence on the society) on September 12 at Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr.

Actor Rajdeep Naik, who spoke at the seminar, noted that a strong indication that Konkani drama was no longer getting the right support was the fact that production houses found it difficult to get halls to stage shows. Naik also shared his thoughts on the commercial aspect of Konkani drama and its ability to sustain itself.

Given that Konkani drama is unique in its stage setting, professor Hanumant Chopdekar spoke on the specialty of the Konkani stage. Professor Rajay Pawar spoke on the nature and uniqueness of modern Konkani drama, while Prakash Vazrikar chaired the sessions.

Almost 100 people including students of Khandola college, Dhempe college, Goa University, St Xavier's college and MES college, attended the seminar.

Goa University's Konkani department head Prakash Parienkar was chief guest, while folklorist Pandurang Phal Dessai gave the keynote address. Fr Apolinaro Cardozo was on the panel as well.