Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Sept 11: In a landmark initiative, I Lesa, in collaboration with the All-America Tulu Association (AATA), is set to release a recreated version of a song from Enna Thangadi — the first-ever Tulu film released in 1971. The virtual release will be held on Sunday, September 14, at 7:00 pm IST via Zoom.

The historic film Enna Thangadi, with lyrics penned by veteran and award-winning writer Bhoja Suvarna, was released on February 19, 1971, marking the beginning of Tulu cinema. However, due to financial constraints, its songs were never released on gramophone records — a regret that lingered with Bhoja Suvarna. During the Vayo Samman felicitation, I Lesa resolved to fill this gap, leading to the recreation of the songs.

The socially-themed song 'Manas nirmal deed baland avve onji mandira' has been sung and recorded by Bhoja Suvarna himself under the composition of noted music director V Manohar. At 85, Suvarna rendered the song with passion, retaining its original essence. Alongside this, his philosophical piece 'Enna jage undu' will also be unveiled during the event.

This effort has been sponsored by Bhaskar Sherigar, founder-president of AATA and a Tulu language enthusiast. Chief guests for the occasion will include Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLA from Kapu constituency, noted Tulu writer from Italy Kauduru Narayan Shetty, and Dr Jagannath Serigar from Kentucky, USA.

The programme will be hosted by Prajwal Shetty of AATA. Details of the association’s activities will be presented by Bhaskar Sherigar and AATA president Srivalli Rai Martel. The video production and technical support have been managed by Gopal Patte.

Those wishing to attend may join through Zoom ID: 5340283988 and Passcode: 0324, informed I Lesa’s media coordinator Surendra Marnad.