A unique media persona who with
multiple-facets. His enchanting journey has encompassed formidable forays into
theatre, film & television wearing the multiple hats of an actor, writer,
director & producer. He is among the handful of South-Indian film-makers
who made films that not only bagged National & State awards for their depth
& rendition beginning from his very first film 'Grahana' that won Two
National Awards but also films that are runaway successes like Janumada Jodi.
His proficiency in theatre has helped him bring to life on celluloid some of
the most celebrated and the most precious literary works in Kannada such as Jnanapeetha
Puraskar winner Chandrashekhar Kambar's Singarevva, the legendary Shivaram
Karanth's Chiguridha Kanasu & KS Narasimhaswamy's Mysooru Mallige(poetry
collection). His enviable understanding of music especially Kannada folk-music
was etched in the hearts of Kannadigas, when he brought to life on celluloid,
Sufi Saint Santa Shishunala Shareefa. His latest effort is an attempt to
recreate on celluloid the life & works of Allama. A Film & TV director
par excellence for 4 decades who continues to be actively involved in theatre
as well under the Guidance of Padmashree B V Karanth , TS Nagabharana's
Nationalist ideas, social concern, concern for women and most importantly for
Children(him being among the very few film-makers who make Children's films)
have been highlighted in his untiring artistic pursuit.
THEATRE
Worked with Padmashri B V Karanth,
Former Director Of NSD and Chairman of Ranga Mandala Bhopal,
Rangayana Mysore. Working
as President of Benaka Children Theatre since 30 years. Organising and Directing 3 Children plays every year continuously since from
start. Directed more than 35 Plays of which Jnaanapeeth Sri Grisish Karnad,
Chandrashekhar Kambar, Sri Shivarama Karanath and Badal Sarkar etc. Acted in more than 100 plays, which played more than 10,000 shows. Performed on National and International stages for several times. Conducted theatre workshops for the last 35 years regularly both National and
International level. Worked as a Administrator for several
theatre repertories, specially Rangayana Mysore, Benaka Bengaluru. 40 years founder-actor, Benaka Amateur Troupe founded by B.V. Karanth. 30 years President, Benaka Children Theatre founded by Prema Karanth. Rajyotsava Awardees for Theatre. Represented Government of India Cultural Committees several times.
FILMS
Directed
a total of 35 films of which 18 films have received prestigious awards & 4
are Children's films.
Has won 9 National Awards (3 for National Integration). 18
State Awards (various categories). 8
of his films have secured Indian Panorama Entry in International Film
Festivals.
ONLY director who has secured ENTRY in both Mainstream and
Indian Panorama TWICE in 1993-1994 and 1995-1996 in International Film
Festivals of India. Has been on the Jury 4 times of the National Film
Awards. Represented India as Jury and his films have been featured
in International Film Festivals in Manheim, Milan, Iran, Chicago, Armenia and
Karlovy Vary. He has made a host of short & documentary films for
Films Division, Government of India and the State Govt.
TV National
Network
Serials for Doordarshan since its inception.
Tele serial Shasraphan written by former Prime Minister
P.V. Narasimha Rao. Indo-Mauritius co-production Stone Boy. Samsmaran travalogue by Goruru Ramaswamy Iyengar
extensively shot in United States of America Tenali Rama, Aradhana, Ganayogi Panchakshari. Bangalore Doordarshan and other Networks . A
variety of serials and other programmes for Doordarshan, Udaya TV, SUN TV and
others