Theater world mourns the demise of Raju Talikoti

Paying tribute to veteran theater and film actor Raju Talikoti, theater artistes and cultural personalities remembered him as the “Sultan of North Karnataka’s rustic wit” whose lively performances and spontaneous humor enthralled audiences across the region.

At the Ranga Namana (dramatic tribute) organized by Rangayana, Kalaburagi, the institution’s director Sujatha Jangamshetty remembered Talikoti (born Rajesab Muktumsab Talikoti) as “a true representative of the dialect and spirit of the soil of northern Karnataka”.

He said, “We were appointed directors of different Rangayanas at the same time. Despite initial criticism, he remained cheerful and shared his dreams for Dharwad Rangayana with infectious enthusiasm. His death is an irreparable loss to Kannada professional theatre.”

Talikoti, who died on Monday after suffering a heart attack during the Sunday night shoot, came from humble beginnings.

A fourth grade dropout and former truck driver, he became a household name through company plays like Kaliyugada Kuduka.

Basavaraj Hoogar, joint director of the Department of Kannada and Culture, remembered him as an actor who could enthrall the audience with his natural acting despite the limitations of commercial theatre. “He brought theater closer to the common people,” he said.

Prabhakar Joshi, former director of Rangayana, said that the demise of such a creative mind has left a deep void in Kannada theatre.

He said, “Being appointed director of Dharwad Rangayana was a remarkable achievement for someone who started out in company drama.”

Bidar-based theater artist Vijaykumar Son observed that hundreds of people earned their livelihood through Talikoti’s theater company. “Millions of people have paid tribute online, which shows how deeply he was loved,” he said.

Senior Mysore Rangayana artiste Hulugappa Kattimani described him as “a man with a big heart and a hero for the working class”.

The program concluded with the rendition of Ranga Geete by Rangayan artistes in memory of the late actor.