Mumbai: Poets, theatre and literary thespians and artistes came together to pay homage to the late actor Girish Karnad, on Wednesday evening, at the Yashwant Natya Mandir, Matunga. Karnad, a renowned thespian, filmmaker and writer, passed away on June 10. Karnad's colleagues had come together to share moments about his life and works.
“Girish was a revolutionary artist with a vision, who always made sure that his work contributed in bettering the society,” said poet and writer Avinash Kadam.
Karnad was one of the most outspoken artistes of his times, who often took to the headlines with his aggressive activism. Playwright and poet, Dr Shridhar Pawar stated that the Girish Karnad is not only a loss of Maharashtra or India, but a worldwide loss in the field of arts as he was popular among the global audiences as well.
Eminent thespian and writer Atul Tiwary, who worked closely with Girish Karnad, stated that Karnad was not only a great artist, but also a great administrator.
He served the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune as its director when he was only 35. Following which he was also appointed to administer the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Nehru Centre of Arts, London.
“Karnad was one of the last artistes, who administered the art institutions. Now these institutions are looked after by government appointed, IFS and IAS officers,” said Tiwary.
Filmmaker Dr Jabbar Patel, acclaimed Karnad as one of the most realistic playwrights, as his work influenced new generations to come in a greater way.
“After Badal Sircar and Vijay Tendulkar, there will be Girish Karnad, as his contribution to the field of performing arts is immense,” said Patel. Rasika Agashe, a student and confidante of Karnad recited excerpts from his play, Agni aur Barkha at the event.
By Pratip Acharya
