Simha releases book on his magnum opus role

Lauding ‘Tuglaq’ as the most significant creation among plays that came as part of modern literature, actor, director C R Simha said this work of writing has grown over the last four decades.

“The literary values in the play have made it a classic work of creative art,” he said.

He was speaking after releasing a book ‘Tuglaq Darbarinalli’ written by H L Mallesh Gowda, at A V K Womens’ College in Hassan on Sunday.

C R Simha has been playing the title role of ‘Tuglaq’ ever since it was brought on stage the first time, four decades ago.

Relevant for all times

Some of the literary works occupy the emotional world of people after many years after they are created. They turn relevant for all times through their very strength of core message.

Tuglaq was written in 1964. But, all the changes that happened in Delhi in the 70s were already visible in the play. “This aspect contributed greatly for the success of the play,” Simha said.

‘Don’t compare’

Kannada lecturer Rajashekhar Mathapati said critiquing Kannada plays in the same scale as European works was not right.

Mallesha Gowda’s book on Tuglaq is a rare one with more matured tone which includes theatrical intricacies, he observed.

“Tughlaq is a play of the king who had lost his ‘mind of introspection’. In reality, Tuglaq is still alive and it is only the time and name that has changed. Tuglaq, in the play, is a dream than a role,” he added.

Ashok Haranahalli of Malenadu Technological Committee president presided over the event.

MLA H D Revanna, municipality president C R Shankar, B R Gurudev, B K Manjunath, S Shailaja and others were present.