This can not be titled an interview in the right sense. The experience was that of sitting in the shades of a speaking tree in the pursuit of knowledge and truth. No man in this world would have a played a drama over 11000 times, over 45 years, for a social cause. Meet the theatre legend, who does not prefer to talk much about the laurels he has on his name like the Gubbi Veeranna Award, the recognitions and the numerous honorary doctorates, ‘King of Stage’, ‘Karnataka’s very own Anna Hazare’ – Narasimha Murthy aka Master Hirannaiah.(Read Master Hirannaiah Biography)
Drama and acting
Drama is from the public, for the public. According to the audience, we need to evolve and reach them. Only then we can call ourselves perfectionists. The happy fact is that, though drama may not be so prominent today compared to the 1960s or the 1970s, we have not lost the audience. As an actor, one should not stick to a similar character. His/her ability to adapt and entertain the public is the epitome of success.
Fine arts have no religion, no limitation, no language and no boundaries. It takes to you to a totally different world altogether, filled with beautiful and creative feelings.
Moving Encyclopedia
In our profession, interacting with the general public is more important than reading any epic. In every common man, I see a library. They give me inputs. They are the resources who help us perform better. Today, drama as a course has been introduced in the curriculum and talented chaps are making inroads to the theatre. Undoubtedly, most respected actors in movies are from the theatre background.
For me, stage is nothing but a moving encyclopedia. I have played the Lanchaavatara 11000 times. Still, I’m not perfect. The subject keeps changing and accordingly the essence. We are like Jangamas, as defined by Basavanna. Stage as a form has no death. It is one of the best types of art.
Originality and Films
I am totally against dubbing. Because the expressions which are given in one language wouldn’t reflect appropriately in another. Also it takes away the bread and butter of the technicians. I do not oppose remake, as the essence of the movie is taken and according to the nativity of a particular culture, it is modified. Give preference to originality. It is like mother. Mother is always the truth. Let’s give a pat to the people who are thinking truth, thinking original, thinking about the beauty of the roots, of the origins we inherit!
Award the Youth
I have observed this point in many occasions. Support the youngsters who are in 30-40 and doing well in fine arts. They would have trained hard for couple of decades, and the awards given to them will boost their morale. In them, I have seen a hunger to perform better. Instead of awarding an artist posthumously or in his/her old days, an artist should be recognized/nurtured at a young age. Society recognized us before any award. That is the biggest award. An award is just a token of recognition.
Lanchaavatara and Rangabhoomi
I have never been proud of ‘Lanchaavatara’; instead I curse the fate of this country that even after 11000 shows corruption is still in system. I have tried my best to eradicate it. Change is the only constant. Every bad thing has to end. I am happy that I am one among those many who are contributing to this change.
Rangabhoomi can once again flourish in all its glory, if the part-timers inculcate professionalism performing everywhere and full-timers inculcate the energy of part-timers in bringing out new concepts. If we come together, golden days are not far!
Ideas: Ideals: India
Our nation, as we know, is known for its unity in diversity and is a symbol of world peace. Regardless of the background, our values are strongly rooted in humanity. We were the ones who introduced the ‘Vasudhaika Kutumbam’. This is what we tried to showcase on the stage.
Daily commodities and fuel prices are shooting up every fortnight. Get the black money that is in Swiss bank. Money making has become the aim of most of the politicians and bureaucrats. Stop overburdening the common man. I quit all bad habits just to set an example for my children. Preach and then practice. I wish to see a rage in the youth, to question the system. It is the least they can do to repay for the air, water and soil provided by the nation!
Piece of word- for KnowYourStar.com…
The initiative you have taken up seems to be going in the right direction. Encourage the youth to be responsible citizens; including the electoral process. Be committed to your values and walk the path dedicated to bringing a positive change in the society. It is your country. We are one. You are the future. Think rationally, bring in humanity!
(Master Hirannaiah wants to curb corruption and he believes the youth can do it. He wants this message to be strongly heard across country. Let’s come together for a good cause. Let’s support a man who has done it 11000 times!)