The Hindu

Bangalore, Mar 17: The sons of six leading character actors of Kannada cinema have taken objection to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) ignoring the contribution of the late Toogudeepa Srinivas, N.S. Rao, Sudhir, Sundarakrishna Urs, Dinesh and Musuri Krishnamurthy while selecting and publishing 75 books on the occasion of the platinum jubilee of Kannada cinema.

Darshan Toogudeepa, Tarun Sudhir, Om Prakash Rao, Nagendra Urs, Giri Dinesh and Jaisimha Musuri told presspersons here on Monday that by doing so the KFCC had not only “hurt and insulted” their family members but also demoralised Kannada film-goers.

They also said that it was regrettable that the KFCC had not bothered to recall the contribution of many artistes, including Dikki Madhava Rao and Shakti Prasad, father of multi-lingual actor Arjun Sarja, for the development of Kannada cinema.

Darshan pointed out that he contacted KFCC president Jaimala to draw her attention to the issue well before the launch of the “Amruta Mahotsava.”

Instead of explaining the reasons for not bringing out books on the life, contribution and achievements of some actors, including Toogudeepa Srinivas, Jaimala spoke casually that the books would be brought out next year, he said.

Darshan said that when he insisted on knowing the yardstick for selection of the 75 persons, Jaimala was rude to him.

On their next course of action, Darshan and Mr. Omprakash Rao said: “We have written to the KFCC president expressing our displeasure.

“We have clearly stated that there is no need for her to take pains to publish books on artistes forgotten by the KFCC and not by Kannada cinema audience.

“We will publish books on the actors and distribute them for free.”