Film and Girish Karnad

Dr. Dani Karmakar

The success of his film career touched his feet. Girish Karnad was able to establish himself in the first film. His entry into the world of film was through Kannada film ‘Samskara’ (1970). And success at the beginning touched him. In addition to acting in this film, the screenplay was also started by Girish Karnad. Pattabhirama Reddy was the director of this film based on UR Ananthamurthy’s novel. This film was first achieved by the President’s Golden Lotus Award for Kannada film. In the following year, a Kannada film named ‘Vamsha Virksha’ was directed by Girish Karnad. After releasing his talent in Kannada, he entered into the Hindi film. In 1974, Girish Karnad acted the Hindi movie ‘Jadoo Ki Sankh’, directed by Sai Paranjape. After this, in 1975, won the audience heart by acting in the movie ‘Nishant’ under the direction of Shyam Benegal. He played an outstanding role as a schoolmaster in this movie. In 1975, the film won the National Award. Shabana Azmi acted in the role of wife. Besides, Smita Patil, Nasiruddin Shah, Ananta Nag and Amrish Puri acted. In 1976, Girish Karnad acted in Shyam Benegal’s film ‘Manthan’. In 1977, in the movie ‘Swami’ he was seen together again with Shabana Ajmi. Utpal Datta also acted in this movie. In 2000, Girish Karnad appeared in ‘Pukar’ with Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit. After a long spell in 2005, the negative role of cricket coach again came back on Nagash Kunkumur’s ‘Iqbal’. In 2012, Salman Khan starred in the film ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ and ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ in 2017, he is seen as RAW Chairman, Shenoy, head of the intelligence agency. He also starred in ‘Chalk N Duster’, ‘Dor’, ‘8 x 10 Tasveer’ and ‘Aashayein’ Hindi films.

Hindi films as well as in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and Marathi, he acted in a lot of films. Some popular Kannada films of Girish Karnad were ‘Cheluvi’, ‘Ondanondu Kaladalli’, ‘Kaadu’, ‘Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane’ and ‘Kanooru Heggaditi’. In addition of film, he was seen in several popular television serials, one of which was a stirring role in Duradarshan, which was directed by Shankar Nag, ‘Malgudi Days’ (1986-1987), where he acted the role of husband’s father. He was also starring in the serial ‘Indradhanosh’.

Along with acting, 13 total full-length films and documentaries were directed by Girish Karnad. Notable mainstream film were ‘Utsav’ and ‘Vamsa Vriksha’ (1971), which was directed by him. He also directed ‘Kanunda’ (Kannda, 1973), ‘Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane’ (Kannada, 1977), ‘Godhuli’ (Hindi, 1977), ‘Ondanondu Kaladalli’ (Kannada, 1978), ‘Durga in Mandir’, ‘Won Ghar’ (Hindi, 1984)films and ‘DR Bendre'(1972),’The Lamp in the Niche'(1990) documentary films. Many Filmfare Awards had been received. He was the Director of the Film and Television of India, Pune from 1974 to 1975.