Prakash Raj at the anniversary celebrations of Nirdigantha, a theatre incubation centre in Srirangapatna | Photo courtesy: K Bhagya Prakash
Nirdigantha, a theatre incubation centre founded by actor and filmmaker Prakash Raj in K Shettihalli, Srirangapatna, recently completed one year of its establishment. Founded with the aim of empowering artistes and creating opportunities for them, Nirdigantha has seen remarkable growth and success in the last 12 months.
talking to HinduPrakash Raj shares his experiences about the journey of Nirdigantha, the impact it had on the theatre community, his vision for the future and why he wants to take time to get back on stage.
Niradhinagantha turns a year older – how do you feel about it?
We are living our dream. The journey has just begun and there is positivity all around. The way Niradigantha has evolved over the past year is encouraging. You can see people from different fields and thought processes through the youth working here. Like the nearby Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, it has become a Rangda (Theater)ThittuI have been personally enriched by the conversations that have taken place here over the past year.
Have you been successful in achieving your goal of empowering artistes? What more can the theatre community in Karnataka do to create opportunities for them?
Currently, we have around 30 to 40 artistes working under various projects. This is not only a place for them to unlearn what they know, but also to fail and understand why they failed. After our recent festival in Chikkamagaluru and Mangaluru, we heard that more people are joining the theatre performances by local troupes. People from different parts of the state are also realising the potential of theatre. If we, as Niradigantha, can inspire different Niradiganthas in their own spaces with a little effort, people will be able to listen to the new voices of this generation.

The actor also organized several events to make the celebrations a success. Photo Credit: K Bhagya Prakash
Nirdigantha started a programme called Shalaranga to incorporate theatre in schools in Karnataka. How important is theatre in the lives of children?
Shalaranga’s aim was not just to introduce theatre, but to use it as a tool for education. According to UNESCO, the basic needs of education are not just maths and science – social justice, perception, literature and more are also important. Theatre can introduce children to these subjects.
This is a comprehensive project and we are trying to structure a curriculum, which we will present to experts who have worked with children to understand what else is required. Theatre gives children a way to express perception and their creativity. Whether it is theatre, singing or dancing, any form of art is important in a child’s growing years.
‘Gayagalu’ and ‘Project Darling’ are the best films produced by Niradigantha. Is something new coming?
includes six new constructions A Friend Beyond the Fence, Tapida Yele, Bob Marley from Kodihalli And Matthew 22:39 have emerged. So far, these have been performed only in Mysuru and Chikkamagaluru, but will soon begin touring across the state. Our latest production Manteswami poetic experiments What is currently going on is interesting. Traditionally, men sing folk songs or manteswami poetryBut in this play we have a young female singer and actor, who PoetrySome more one-act plays and documentary shows are also in the works.
Where do you see Nirdigantha in the next 10 years?
I honestly don’t know because you can never touch the horizon. It’s just like chiselling away at a rock that takes a different shape each time, and once it forms a circle, you must go after it. I believe Nirdigantha will overtake us.

You are returning to theatre after devoting three decades of your life to cinema. How are your roles in these two worlds different from each other?
I wouldn’t say my roles are different. I farm here in Nirdigantha. Villagers around us are motivated not to grow sugarcane. Children, women and elderly from nearby areas come here to watch the play. An old woman with no family has found shelter here. A different kind of social bond is emerging. If I were just a theatre actor, I would be irrelevant; my relevance today stems from expanding the horizons of the next generation.
A year ago you had told The Hindu that something new was coming and your fans would be able to see you on stage soon.
I have decided not to go on stage for the next two years, as I believe my role is to provide opportunities for others. When I do go back on stage it will not be just to play roles – I have more going on than just acting abilities.