Karwar: Konkani Playwright Hosad 'Babuti' Nayak Passes away

from daijiworld's special correspondent (MB)
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Karwar / Honnavar, Jul 26: Srinivas Vaman Nayak (80), most commonly known to the Konkani literary and theatrical fields as Hosad Babuti Nayak, passed away at his residence in Hosad near here on Tuesday night.

He had ruled the roost in Konkani theatre for over five decades, having established himself as an actor, playwright and director. His plays dealt with burning social issues and problems, most prominently the dowry menace, and they have been staged in most of the places with concentration of Konkani-speaking of people.

The most notable among his 120-plus plays include 'Bell-bottom Baila', 'Kanjusa Puttu Mama','Bodrola', 'Bhanagadi Lagna', 'Ashi Koshi Jalle' and others. Having commenced play-writing at a young age of 20, he had never looked back, so much so that his was a premier name in theatricals. He kept creating plays right up to his ripe age.

Among the honours and prizes he won are: Best playwright award from Dr TMA Pai Foundation, Konkani Sahitya Academy award in 1989 and honour from All India Konkani Parishat at its Manipal and Sirsi sessions.

Deriving inspiration from such great artistes like Kandagal Hanamant Rao and Mahantesh Shastri, Nayak showed brilliance in his student days, beginning with the memorable role of 'Dusshasan' in a play organized by the Kumta Mitra Samaj.

Being born in economically backward circumstances, Nayak had gone through tough times throughout his life. Yet, it was his motto that just as his threatical activity made his forget his difficulties, his plays too should divert the minds of art-lovers from their own trials and tribulations.

Gowd Saraswat community leaders, his old-time associates like Koodlu Anand Shanbhag, Vasant Kamat, Deepak Prabhu and many others have condoled his death.

Nayak is survived by wife, two sons and seven daughters.