“There are many books that celebrate the contribution of Girish Karnad as a playwright and theater director, but his cellulide journey has been largely ignored. There is no documentation,” Murlidhara Khajne, “Murlidhara Khajne, Senior Journalists and Author of the book, say. Karnad Calidoscope , Random reflection , A polymorphic music on Kannada cinemaKarnataka was also published by the CHANCTHAP Academy and co-writer with Subrahmanyan Vishwanath.
Girish Karnad played an important role in making films rites
Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Muralidhara shared the Visis and Hauz behind the book, saying, “I have never planned to write a book on Girish or any other personality. In fact, I never dreamed of writing a book, just because it is tired of chasing publishers.” Karnad CalidoscopeHe says, “It happened after a long drawn process. This includes many of my conversations with Girish during my journalism years.”
Muralidhara goes back on time and recalls his association with the famous actor and playwright. “I was introduced to Girish in 1984 at an office in BangalorePatrical (A Kannada Weekly) by its editor BV Vaikunataraja, who was also a playwright and screenwriter. I was enamored with Girish’s personality and intelligence. Soon after, Vacterraju asked me to write a piece on Girish. I was nervous since I was a novice; But my editor insisted. ,
Muralidhara went to meet Girish for the next time for the article. “Girish felt that I had not only seen his films, but also read books from which he was adapted. So the interview went smoothly.”
Math of creativity
Shankar Nag and Sundar Raj still from the film Ondedu Kaladalli, Directed by Girish | Photo Credit: Courtesy: Aswathanarayan
“Girish was a commerce student who took to cinema. He learned Shilp on-the-go. When he was asked to create a documentary on da Rae Bendre, he went to FTII (Film and Television Institute of India), went to Pune, and saw 65 documentaries, and read books on filmmaking. To identify them with new perspectives. rites One was such – a iconic film. ,
Karnad Calidoscope Girish’s visit from document rites To Kanuru HeddithiWhich was his last. The book also includes classic Celebration, Directed by Girish and produced by Shashi Kapoor. The interesting anecdote shared by actors, writers and cinematographers, including BV Karanth and LV Sharda, has been shared, who worked with Girish. “This idea was to present his cinematic journey in a chronological, giving the reader a glimpse of the back and forth. Hindu Khajne says, “The stories I wrote about Girish and his works helped me write this book.
Despite his unsuccessful health, Girish was open for discussion and meetings photo credits: Hindu collection
After the first meeting, Girish and Muralidhara often met. “We will discuss literature, theater and cinema. A few years later, I asked Girish if I could write a book on him. He directly refused, saying, ‘I will write one myself’.”
Girish’s health deteriorated, “Despite this, he gave Hindu An interview, which turned out to be his last. After the interview, Girish asked me to meet him again, and when he asked me if I am still eager to write a book on him and I can move forward. He said, “I don’t think I can, but can share my notes with you for my book.” I was shifted because he was generous to me, “a emotional Murladhara, who started writing the book during an epidemic.” The best part of the book is photos. Ever since i worked together HinduI was able to access them from the newspaper archives. ,
Midas touch
MK Shankar, Editor of Book | Photo courtesy: K Bhagya Prakash
MK Shankar says, “Karnad CaldSScope An organic development is the result of years and an impulse is not the result of the decision. After working as a film journalist, Muralidhara delays Girish’s compositions as a filmmaker and brings different aspects of his different style together. Therefore, the title in the title is ‘polymorphic’. ,
According to Shankar, those who teach Hindustani music and write plays and instruct, “The book can be divided into three parts – Girish’s filmography, people who worked in films with him and do his unfinished work.”
“When he died, Girish scripted for more than 25 films. He always thought in the context of the script,” says Muralidhara.
Published – 16 June, 2025 06:07 pm IST
