Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Oct 25: Veteran theater personalities, Kishore Shetty from Kodialbail in the city and P Vasudev Rao from Udupi, have been chosen for Karnataka State Nataka Academy awards.

Kishore has been serving the field of theater since the last 35 years in different capacities like actor, director and patron. He was the founder of 'Kalasangama' troupe through which plays and theatre activities were conducted. He has now been leading 'Lakumi' troupe which exhibits social plays, and 'Srilalithe' troupe which specializes in mythological plays. These two troupes together have over 70 artistes.

Kishore, who currently serves as president of Tulu Nataka Kalavidara Okkoota, has produced 'Ekkasakka' Tulu movie under the banner of Lukumi Cine Creation. He has been conferred with various awards. He has been an entrepreneur and is heading 'Leeds' group of concerns. Kishore is involved with social service organizations including Lions Club.

P Vasudev Rao has served both education and theater sectors since decades. He is a native of Padukkudru near Kemmannu. He has been serving 'Rangabhoomi' at Udupi, an organization dedicated to plays, as joint secretary, treasurer, general secretary etc. At present, he happens to be the vice president of this organization.

Rao has created plays, besides directing and acting in them. He has directed plays like 'Devadasi', 'Echchama Nayaka', 'Lakshmana Rekhe', 'Puththali', 'Panganaama', 'Hejjegalu', 'Anna Thamma' etc. He has also served as principal of Government PU College Yermal and Christian PU College. Rao's articles have appeared in various publications, and he also had brought out a Kannada work titled 'Balabelaku' containing articles highlighting morals.