A glance into the past

Remembering veterans

The Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy (KCA), along with the Information Department, recently celebrated ‘Kannada Chalanachitra Day’.

This being the day Sati Sulochana, the first Kannada film, was released in 1934, it was only apt that they held the celebrations at the Sulochana Hall on Infantry Road.

Actress Tara, the president of KCA, expressed her happiness to be a part of the event. She said that from now on, every year, the  focus will be on one aspect of films and this year, it is music. “The Kannada film industry is so huge that it is not possible to do justice to all aspects of films, which is why we have chosen music as the focus of this year,” she adds.

So it was a walk down memory lane for all those who had assembled for the celebrations. There was a small photography exhibition with pictures of the scions of music industry.

There were rare pictures of Illayaraja and Dr Rajkumar together and Kishore Kumar striking a pose with his friends in the Kannada film industry. There were also those of Hamsalekha, Yesudas, Hari Krishna and many others who have contributed tremendously to the music industry here.

Yogendra, a student who had come with his parents for the celebrations, says that he really enjoyed the photography exhibition. “I never knew Kishore Kumar had also contributed to Kannada films. I feel this was a good opportunity for youngsters like us to know more about the industry,” he adds.

There was also a small function where veteranslike actress Jayanthi, director Siddalingayya, music director R Ratnam and producer KCN Chandrashekar were felicitated. This was followed by performances of young artistes, who sang and shook a leg to popular Kannada songs.

V Manohar, a music director, says, “It’s really nice to have a day where we can remember all the highs and lows of the industry and the important contributions made by so many people. I feel this is a great move by the KCA and the Information Department.”

But Tara was also quick to say that the day is not just for people within the industry. “I wish more people from the industry would come forward to support the show. The ‘Chalanachitra Day’ is not only for artistes but also for the public, who also play a huge role in supporting films,” she says.