The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Nandi Natakotsavam timely: Mikkilineni

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Monday, Jan 17, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Nandi Natakotsavam timely: Mikkilineni

By Our Staff Reporter

VIJAYAWADA, JAN. 16. The annual Nandi Natakotsavam, introduced in 1996, was a timely step that provided a fresh lease of life to theatre, which was almost on the verge of extinction, according to veteran film actor, Mikkilineni Radhakrishna Murthy.

Addressing the inaugural meeting of the Nandi Natakotsavam-2004, which got off on a colourful note at the Tummalapalli Kalakshetram here on Sunday, Mr. Murthy lauded the efforts of the Andhra Pradesh State Film, Television and Theatre Development Corporation to prevent the ancient form of arts from slipping into a state of oblivion.

Creating awareness

It was heartening to witness Vijayawada, the cultural hub of the State, hosting the mega event for the first time. Theatre in the State had produced many jewels who rendered valuable service for the development and promotion of the ancient arts, he pointed out.

Artistes representing different media including the theatre industry that came into being nearly 125 years ago, the Andhra Nataka Kala Parishad formed 75 years ago, the film industry that had a history of 75 years and the Praja Natya Mandali that was set up 63 years back used different platforms but worked for the same cause - to spread awareness among the public. Pointing to the paradoxical situation, he said in the past, there was a section of art-lovers who preferred theatre to any other means of entertainment but the limited number of halls diminished their aesthetic urge.

"Today we have a number of cinema theatres but there are no takers for drama," he lamented reminding that the theatre industry had produced committed artistes who had worked all through their life with great passion to uphold values by keeping theatre alive.

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