Nirdigantha, a theatre incubation heart in Ok Shettihalli, Srirangapatana, based by actor and filmmaker, Prakash Raj, lately celebrated a year since its inception. Established with the purpose of empowering artistes and creating alternatives for them, Nirdigantha has seen important development and success over the previous 12 months.
Speaking to The Hindu, Prakash Raj shares his experiences on the journey of Nirdigantha, the impression it has had on the theatre group, his imaginative and prescient for the longer term, and why he desires to take his time getting again on stage.
Nirdigantha has turned one — how do you’re feeling about it?
We live our dream. The journey has simply begun and there’s positivity throughout. The best way Nirdigantha has developed over the previous 12 months is heartening. You see folks from completely different walks of life and thought processes by the kids who work right here. Very similar to the Ranganathittu Hen Sanctuary close by, this has develop into a Rangada (theatre)thittu. The conversations which have occurred right here within the final one 12 months have personally enriched me.
Have you ever been in a position to meet your objective to empower artistes? What extra can the theatre group in Karnataka do to create alternatives for them?
At present, we’ve got about 30 to 40 artistes working underneath numerous initiatives right here. This isn’t solely a spot for them to unlearn what they know, however to additionally fail and perceive why they failed. Following certainly one of our current festivals in Chikkamagaluru and Mangaluru, we heard that extra individuals are attending theatrical performances by native troupes. Folks from completely different components of the State are additionally realising the opportunity of theatre. If we, as Nirdigantha can encourage completely different Nirdiganthas in their very own areas with just a little push, folks will have the ability to take heed to the brand new voices of this technology.
Nirdigantha began Shalaranga, a program to introduce theatre in colleges throughout Karnataka. How vital is theatre in a baby’s life?
The aim of Shalaranga was not simply to introduce theatre, however use it as a software of training. In line with UNESCO, the essential necessities of an training will not be solely arithmetic and science — social justice, notion, literature and extra are additionally wanted. Theatre can expose kids to those topics.
It’s an intensive venture and we try to construction a curriculum, which we’ll current to specialists who’ve labored with kids to grasp what extra is required. Theatre offers a baby notion and a strategy to specific their creativity. Whether or not it’s theatre, singing or dancing, any type of artwork is vital in a baby’s rising years.
Of the productions by Nirdigantha, ‘Gaayagalu’ and ‘Challenge Darling’ stand out. Is there something new on the playing cards?
Six new productions together with A Buddy Past the Fence, Tappida Yele, Bob Marley from Kodihalli and Mattaya 22:39 have emerged. To this point, these have been carried out solely in Mysuru and Chikkamagaluru, however will quickly begin touring throughout the State. Our newest manufacturing Manteswamy Kavya Prayoga that’s at present operating is attention-grabbing. Historically, males sing the people songs or Manteswamy Kavya, however on this play we’ve got a younger feminine singer and actor, who presents the kavyas. A number of extra one-man performs and documentary reveals are within the works.
The place do you see Nirdigantha within the subsequent 10 years?
I truthfully don’t know as a result of you may by no means contact the horizon. It’s fairly like chiseling a rock that takes on a unique form every time, and as soon as it turns into a circle, you have to go behind it. I consider Nirdigantha will transcend us.
You might be again on stage after dedicating three a long time of your life to cinema. How do your roles in each these worlds distinction?
I wouldn’t essentially say my roles distinction. I farm right here in Nirdigantha. The villagers round us are impressed to not develop sugarcane anymore. Kids, ladies and the aged from the encompassing areas come to observe performs right here. An outdated lady who has no household has discovered shelter right here. A unique form of social bonding is unfolding. I might have develop into irrelevant if I used to be only a theatre actor; my relevance at the moment stems from increasing the horizons of the following technology.
A 12 months in the past, you had informed The Hindu one thing new was afoot and your followers would get to see you on stage quickly.
I’ve determined to not go on stage for an additional two years, as I consider my function is to offer others the chance. Once I get again on stage it won’t be only for performing roles — one thing else is churning inside me, not simply my performing talents.
Prakash Raj on the present political state of affairs of the nation and the State
What do you consider NDA 3.0?
It has failed badly, and the NDA just isn’t prepared to simply accept it. The nation is more healthy now and I’m comfortable that there’s a stronger opposition. It’s good that the NDA remains to be there, as a result of now they’re answerable and accountable. India is in a greater area now politically.
Based mostly on the current bypoll outcomes, do you assume there could be a slight shift within the temper of the nation?
If the BJP can lose in Ayodhya, if Narendra Modi didn’t win the margin the way in which he wished to, and there are only a few seats which they’ve received by a detailed mark, it’s an alarm bell ringing which they need to realise. There’s definitely a shift within the temper of the nation, however they’re nonetheless in a denial mode.
Do you assume the Congress authorities in Karnataka is undoing itself with a collection of inside squabbles and scams?
The federal government is undoubtedly undoing itself. Just lately, once I was on stage for an occasion, a Congress MLA denied sharing the stage with me, as a result of I accused and questioned the celebration. I don’t come from any political celebration, I’m an woke up citizen, and it’s my proper to query whoever it’s. The Congress wants to grasp that they didn’t win the elections, the BJP misplaced it. If Congress doesn’t behave because it should, it is going to additionally lose. With the sort of scams popping out, the state of affairs just isn’t acceptable, and the Congress should put together itself to be answerable.