Dubai: Dhwani Honours Dr Kambara - 'Hayavadana' Enthralls Audience

Sujay Bendur
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Jun 21: A full capacity crowd comprising of Kannadigas spread across the UAE who had gathered to witness 'Hayavadana', one of the masterpieces in Kannada theatre and an apt mirror of enormous talent of master playwright Girish Karnad on Friday June 20 evening at Indian Consulate hall were kept glued to their seats to the end. Superb performance by Kannada legends from Bangalore who were just flown in for the show was as artistic as nimble brush of Da Vinci on canvas. The play written by Girish Karnad was directed by Prakash Rao Payyar.

The occasion was 23rd anniversary of Dhwani Pratisthana in Dubai, initiated by Dubai’s own Kannada poet, actor, writer-director and activist Prakash Rao Payyar.

Padmashree awardee and one of the most respected Kannada writers, poet of 'Kodagana Koli Nungitha’ fame Dr Chandrashekar Kambara who had flown all the way from Bangalore chaired memorable programme. He was honored by Dhwani Pratisthana by presenting shawl and memento by Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha president Sarvothama Shetty.

In the presence of Kambara two other veteran writers, activists Sreenivas Kappanna and  Javagarhalli Shivshankar were honoured by the Pratisthana. Kambara presented shawl and mementos to these two legends.

The newly-constituted award 'Dhwani Pratisthana award' was presented to Javagarhalli  Shivshankar.

The legends spoke with high praise for Kanndaiga audience who had gathered for the evening from all over the UAE in spite of all prevailing difficulties such as traffic snarls and other personal commitments.

Speaking on the occasion, Kappanna went on saying that today Kannada programmes have become glamorous with the presence of star faces from film Industries or politicians and very few organizations think of Kannada activists who love and work for the language. But he was surprised to see that Dhwani Pratisthana had chosen Kannada activists for this event.

Kambara in his address elaborated the richness of Kannada culture specially highlighting the yakshagana and folklore art forms.

Javagarhalli Shivshankar, a poet of his class mesmerized the audience with his poetic speech. His humour and wit indeed made audience to ask for more from him.

During the stage programme, sponsors and guests were honoured with bouquets and memento.

Sarvothama Shetty from Abu Dhabi, Shekar Shetty of Arab Udupi, Ashok Shetty, Walter Nandalike, editor-in-chief of daijiworld.com, Dayan D'Souza, convener of Daiji Rang Mandir, Udaya Kumar of Maxwell International, Mark Denis D'Souza, patron of Sharjah Karnataka Sangha, Noor of Zain International, James Mendonca of Mangalore Konkans and Prakash Rao Payyar, founder of Dhwani Pratisthana were present on the stage along with three visiting Kannada legends.

Later a classic, unique play written by Girish Karnad, directed by Prakash Rao Payyar was presented to the audience.

The play won not only the hearts of audience with superb acting skills by amateur actors from around UAE, but also once again proved the quality of Kannada plays which have enthralled the audience around the globe for years.

Donald Correa and Prabhakar Kamath donning the lead role never gave any impression of being amateur artistes their superb expressions and dialogue delivery were nothing short of any experienced actors. Asha Correa was other actor who mesmerized the audience with superb acting talent.

Supporting cast comprising of James Pius, Samapth Shetty, Ananya, Basavaraj, Sarala Raghuprasad, Nivedita Anand and Jayashree Madhusoodan played their roles beautifully well in presenting a class performance.

Ganesh Rai managed complete stage programme and compered the event.

Arthur D'Souza proposed vote of thanks.

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