Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Apr 27: Veteran theatre personality K K Gatti was honoured with the prestigious ‘Chavadi Thamman’ award by the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy at a programme held in the auditorium of Sri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple in Mangaluru.

Presenting the honour, Sharavu Raghavendra Shastri, Administrative Moktesar and chief priest of the temple, said that K K Gatti’s plays carry valuable social messages and have greatly contributed to society. He also praised Gatti for introducing many new artistes to theatre, including noted actor Aravind Bolar.

Speaking on the occasion, actor Aravind Bolar said that Sri Sharavu Kshetra was the foundation of his theatre journey and credited K K Gatti for bringing him to the stage. He described Gatti as his first guru in theatre.

Presiding over the event, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy president Taranath Gatti Kapikad lauded Gatti’s outstanding contribution to theatre. He said Gatti had established Sri Somanatha Kalabhumi Rangasamsthe 49 years ago and had written and directed over 50 plays.

Akhila Bharata Tulu Okkuta president A C Bhandary and Sri Somanatha Seva Samiti president Jayaram Gatti Pilar also conveyed their wishes.

The programme was compered by theatre director Jagan Pawar Bekal, while artist Vasanth Rai B.K. welcomed the gathering and proposed the vote of thanks.