Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Mar 11: A Tulu drama contest covering Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasargod districts was organized between March 2 and 9 at Bangle Ground in Punjalakatte in the taluk by Sri Murughendra Mitra Mandali, in memory of founder member of the Mandali, the late Salvador D’Souza.

 ‘Vatara’, a play presented by Karla Kalavider team from Karkala bagged the first prize, while ‘Mangala Yenna Attige’ staged by Mokeda Kalavider team from Manjeshwar stood second, with ‘Nikk Gottunda’ enacted by Vidyashree Kudla team from Mangalore having been adjudged second runner up.

Prizes were distributed at the annual function of the Mitra Mandali and Vanita Samaja, held on the night of Sunday March 9. The function was presided over by Ln Kishore D Shetty, president of Dakshina Kannada DistrictTulu Theatre Artistes Association. Speaking on the occasion, Shetty noted that the path of progress for theatre is very difficult, and that good plays alone can attract audience now. He appreciated Sri Murughendra Mitra Mandali for contributing towards conserving Tulu language.

Principal of Mangalore Academy of Professional Studies, Dr Dejappa Dallodi, who was one of the judges for the contest, noted that a play envisages touching the hearts of the human beings through emotions and stimulating ideas and thoughts in their minds. “Plays have the capacity to achieve social transformation. Plays, in addition to entertaining the audience, should also be able to leave a message for social reforms. For the brilliance of actors to come to the fore, they need to hone their skills through continuous hard work,” he felt. One of the judges, D S Boloor, and Kalyani from Perdoor troupe spoke about preparing dramas for contests.

Progressive farmer, Rajesh Nayak Ulippadyguttu, extended best wishes. District president of Horticultural Producers Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society, K Laxminarayana Udupa, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy member, Mohan Koppala, Vanita Samaja president, Uma D Gowda, Mitra Mandali founder president, Padma Moolya Anilaje, and others were present.

Judges of the contest, Dr Dejappa Dallodi, D S Boloor, and Suresh Master, were honoured on the occasion.

Rajendra K V welcomed. Secretary, Rajesh Pulimajalu, presented the annual report. Ratnadev Punjalakatte read out the list of winners. Harishchandra Shettigar proposed vote of thanks, while teacher, Udayakumar Shetty, presented the programme.

Results:

Best direction – Chidananda Adyapady (first – Nikk Gottunda), Shobha Rai (second - Mangala Yenna Attige).
Music – Balakrishna Kannatipare (first - Kana Kattodchi), Rohit Malpe (second – Yerumainde).
Stage Design – Vidhatri Arts Kudla (first – Nikk Gottunda),  Vaishnavi Arts (second - Mangala Yenna Attige).
Best make up: Ashok Permude (first – Kana Kattodchi), Rajpal Kalladka (second – Mangala Yenna Attige)
Best actor – Suresh Vitla (first – Mangala Yenna Attige), Chandrahas Shetty Shirtady (second - Kana Kattodchi).
Best actress – Shobha Rai (first – Mangala Yenna Attige), Khushi Anchan (second – Nikk Gottunda).
Best actor in comic role – Kavita Raghavendra (first – Mangala Yenna Attige), Sunita Yekkur (second – Nikk Gottunda)
Best actor in character role – Ramesh Rai Kukkuvalli (first – Nikk Gottunda), Mahabaleshwar Hebbar (second Lockup Death).
Best actress in character role – Achuta Marnad (first – Vatara), Balakrishna Master (second – Saithandane Sukha). Special prize – Pruthvi Shetty (Vatara).