Report from Denzil Fernandes
Pics: Sujay Bendore
for Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai (AF)

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Dubai, May 24: The drama loving public of UAE had their share of laughter and fun at the Shaikh Rashid Auditorium on Friday May 24 with a delightful evening. Coming all the way from Mangalore with his 20-plus troupe of artistes, Naveenkumar Padil did not disappoint when two of his popular plays named 'Nambunane Nambodu' (Believe the beliefs) and  'Anchilath Inchilath' (Neither here nor there) were performed in front of an appreciative and almost packed audience. 

The hilarious twin plays with meaningful messages showed some fine glimpses of acting by Naveen along with his other prominent stars like Anil Raj, Anand Bolar, Vasanth Amin and so many other talented artistes in their various roles. 

While talking to Naveen before the drama he promised that the comedy was set up with a social message to the public as well.  He went on to add that all his dramas are written in a way to ensure that there is a meaning to everything they do. The troupe went on to establish the sentiments of Naveen as every single actor performed perfectly with such fine timing that every single line was delivered with superb expression.  The crowd loved all the action and applauded especially the comical part while following the dialogues with rapt attention. The musical effects were arranged in style and to perfection with pleasing effect and good synchronization with the actors.

It was a double-sided menu with two plays being performed on the same night one after the other and quite tastefully too. The evening’s entertainment organized  by a hitherto unknown group called ‘Namma Tuluver’ came in the form of two dramas. The first drama 'Nambunane Nambodu' (150-plus shows) was a family-based tale with a social message while the second and far more powerful 'Anchillath Inchillath' (250-plus shows already)  was more  impressive with the style of acting as well as the forceful social message. The stage setting and music was perfect for both the shows but it was not surprising since both  these plays have been enacted so many times elsewhere in India and the Gulf before.  

The organizers had taken the troupe on a desert safari trip earlier on Thursday May 22 evening which Naveen said was quite enjoyable for everyone and a new experience for all the members.  However, far more than that was the enjoyable manner in which the audience loved every bit of the action by the performers from Mangalore in both the dramas.

After splitting from yet another famous dramatist, Devdas Kapikad, Naveenkumar Padil has come a long way in establishing his credentials as a front line actor and the Friday’s performances only proved that point. The  female stars Shobha, Asha and Thejaswini excelled especially with their brilliant acting proved that there is plenty of talent in Mangalore especially and in Karnataka in general. 

Naveenkumar Padil, however, took the cake and the limelight with his sensational acting especially in 'Nambunane Nambodu' in the last scene after being struck with rabies and capturing the hearts of the audience in fine style. The deepawali dance complete with the firecracker effects was also another interesting scene of the evening.  In the second drama as well, Naveen was once again on the forefront with his fantastic acting as the perennial drunkard although he seemed overshadowed by his sobbing mother in the drama at times.  

At this point, one is forced to remember the doyen of Tulu dramas, K N Tailor who started it all in his own way and gave the lead for today’s performers who are reaping the benefits. The veteran (wherever he is) deserves praise both for his initiative and efforts in projecting Tulu dramas in a great way and opening the doors for many to flourish. K N Tailor was responsible to give a prominent platform for Tulu theatre with his own plays and bringing them within easy reach of Tulu lovers all over India especially. 

When someone retires from any form of social front, there should be benefit shows for those sacrificing elders who pave the way for newcomers and support new talent. That will be like giving something back to the old and also a way of appreciating. Organizations should give the lead for such noble causes and help those who deserve such accolades.

The entertaining evening started with the ceremonious lighting of the lamp by various dignitaries who were present which included visiting guests from Mangalore like prominent businessman A J Shetty and Sitaram Kulal apart from others.

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