Ashwath comes alive in city...

Actors, fans of the doyen of Sandalwood sing paeans in tribute

Kalamandira, the cultural hub of the city on Sunday turned out to be a perfect podium for the fans of actor K S Ashwath, who were taken on a special sojourn as part of the late actor’s 88th birth anniversary.

The programme aptly titled ‘Karmayogi Nam Chamaiah Meshtru’ under the joint auspices of K S Ashwath Arts, Kannada and culture, and information departments was a mix of music and words that brought the doyen, a supporting actor, in Sandalwood alive to the houseful gathering. Sound and music, an orchestra troupe from Bangalore presented the musical programme, what with the singers rendering select and melodious songs from Ashwath’s movies, besides the actor’s favourite in Hindi.

Singer Rajashekar Nuli from Bijapur sang ‘Thooguve Kandana...’ from ‘Anuradha’, Nagamangala Srinivas rendered ‘Natavara gangadhara...’ from ‘Swarnagowri’, followed by singers Mysore Ramesh and actress Jyothi ‘Ade ragadalli...’ from Dr Rajkumar starrer ‘Shravana Banthu’ to name a few.

For the admirers of one of the finest actors ever seen in Sandalwood, the compeerer provided brief but vital informations, suffice to rekindle interest. A great admirer of Durga raga, Ashwath was mesmerised with the particular song from ‘Shravana Banthu’, rendered in the evening, composed in the same raga. The song was originally sung by Dr Rajkumar himself. Also a great fan of renowned Bollywood director Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Ashwath was in full praise for the song ‘Bolere pappi...’ from ‘Guddi’ after watching the flick in Woodlands picture house. Singer Suneetha Acharya from Mysore recreated the magic originally created by another well-known playback singer Vani Jayaram, by rendering the song to the applause of the gathering.

‘Tujhe sooraj kahoo, ya chanda...’ by Manna Dey from ‘Ek Phool Do Maali’, another favourite of Ashwath was brought to life by a singer. Ashwath had watched the movie in Olympia theatre here.

Another interesting fact was Vishnuvardhan, with whom Ashwath had shared screen space in most of the films, was a singer who had a fan in the latter. V Gulzar was yet another Bollywood director who had an admirer in Ashwath. ‘Kohi ho jisko apna...’ from Gulzar’s ‘Mere Apne’ had won  over Ashwath who couldn’t keep himself after learning that Vishnuvardhan sings the song with ease. He pat summoned Vishnuvardhan and asked him to sing the song, only to laud him later. 

This also set the tone for strengthening the bond between Ashwath and Vishnuvardhan, who played all time popular characters — Chamaiah Meshtru and Ramachari respectively in runaway hit movie ‘Naagara Haavu’.

What made the programme unique was Ashwath himself invoking blessings of the god for the evening. ‘Lambodara lakumikara...’ a devotional song with Ashwath in the lead was screened, pulling curtains off the curious minds who couldn’t wait to see their favourite actor pray, soon after the announcement. ‘Karmayogi Nam Chamaiah Meshtru’, a book was also released.

Actors Loknath, Shivaram, Srinivas Murthy and Ramesh Bhat shared their association with Ashwath.

Secretary of Kannada and culture department Basavaraj, director of information department K S Bevinamarad, industrialist R Guru and Ashwath’s actor son Shankar Ashwath were present.