Ritwik began his speech with these words during the audio release of his film in the presence of Dr G S Shivarudrappa and singer Shimoga Subbanna among others. The journey has been a revelation of sorts according to this young director. Dr Shivarudrappa shed light on what inspired Simha senior to identify himself with the Kuvempu philosophy in myriad ways, including acting and staging a play by the same name.
"Years ago, Simha was bed-ridden following an accident. To help his friend pass time, singer Shimoga Subbanna presented him with Nenapina Doni, a book by Kuvempu. As he skimmed through the pages, Simha’s idea of resurrecting Kuvempu in theatre form took shape and Rasarushi is the result.
Now, his son has made Rasarushi Kuvempu based on the play," Shivarudrappa told the gathering. The poet full of praise for composer V Manohar, who has set new tunes to popular songs. Indeed, compositions Hoguvenu na..., Baa chakori..., Kindari Jogi... and others have assumed new shape with the new tunes.
Appreciating Manohar's work, C R Simha recalled how classical singer Vidwan R K Padmanabha approved of the new raga composed by him.
The raga was named Manohara and he sang the ever-green O Nanna Chetana based on the raga. Continuing, Simha also mentioned how worried he was when son Ritwik approached him saying he would begin his career in the industry by making a film on Kuvempu.
"First I wanted him to gain success and fame as a commercial director," Simha said.
But going by the director's work, producer Arvind Prakash seemed to have no complaints.
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