'Pattabhirama Reddy works not yet received well'

Writer and thinker Pustakamane Hariharapriya said veteran filmmaker Pattabirama Reddy and actor-wife Snehalatha Reddy's works have not yet been received well in Karnataka where they spent most part of their life.

At a programme organised to mark the birth centenary of Reddy and the release of the documentary 'Revisiting Samskara' here, he spoke about the life and achievements of Reddy, Snehalatha and their fight against the government during the Emergency. "Reddy created a revolution in early Independence era by coming out of his house and working for literature. Though he was born in an elite family, it never influenced his life and works. But the Sahitya Academy has neglected the couple's work for literature. Apart from 'Samskara' film, Reddy bagged national award for three other films - one in Kannada and two in Telugu. He works are milestones for both literature and film industry," he explained.

Hariharapriya criticised Jnanpith awardee and director Girish Karnad for depicting the couple in a negative way in his autobiography. "Girish Karnad was not even born when Reddy penned his first work," he said.

Writer and filmmaker Baragur Ramachandrappa urged the Information Department and Chalanachitra Academy to organise a film festival on Pattabirama Reddy.

Former IAS officer Chiranjeevi Singh and film critic Vijaya spoke about their close association with Reddy couple.

Actors Somashekar, Bhargavi Narayan, Huli Chandrashekar, former assistant director to Pattabhirama Reddy, cinematographer Tom Covan took part in the programme.