He loved the woods
DIWAKAR N
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M.P. Shankar was perhaps the only person who took up the cause of forests in films. The vibrant actor passed away recently
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PHOTO: CHITRALOKA.COM
LASTING LOVE Shankar's love for the forest made him an icon in the Kannada film industry, and truly enough he was the first to venture into a film based on forest life in Kannada
On July 17, 2008, Karnataka lost one of its legendary film personalities M.P. Shankar, who has left a lasting impression upon the masses through his sterling performances in more than 100 films spread over 50 years. The 73-year-old Shankar was suffering from cancer for several years and was bed-ridden for the last few months.
Born into a middle-class family and brought up in Mysore, Shankar was forced to give up his studies after 10th class and was forced to cater to the needs of the family. Deeply interested in wrestling, Shankar took to it rather early in life, and participated in many competitions. His penchant for drama got a boost when he was appreciated by the erstwhile Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar way back in the 60s.
Shankar’s personal life was never a bed of roses. Nevertheless, he managed to keep his interest in wrestling alive.
It was in late 50s and early 60s that M.P. Shankar turned towards stage dramas with his own troupe Bharani Kalavidaru, which staged many historical and mythological dramas like “Echchama Nayaka”, “Raja Gopichand”, “Harischandra” etc. In 1962, he came into contact with H.L.N Simha who offered him a chance to act in his film “Ratnamanjari”, as a villain. But it was his role as Veerabahu in the film “Sathya Harischandra” that gave him the real break. His sterling performance in the movie and the song he danced to “Kuladalli Keelyavudo Huchchappa” is popular even today.
Shankar acted more as a villain – which quite went well with his burly figure –
and won laurels. Later in his career, M.P. Shankar got some character roles wherein his acting talent was truly exploited. His role of the stingy, feudal moneylender Bhootayya in the film “Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu” left a lasting impression. So much so that, miserly people came to be called Bhootayya even in real life. His role as a comedian in “Narada Vijaya”, as a king in “Huliya Haalina Mevu”, the wrestler in “Naagarahavu”, wrestling master in “Mayura”, the father in “Vasantha Lakshmi” and several such roles were a treat to watch. His role of as the provincial king in “Huliya Haalina Mevu” was a catalyst to the movie’s success to say the least.
More than his acting talents, Shankar’s love for the forest made him an icon in the Kannada film industry, and truly enough he was the first to venture a film based on forest life in Kannada. Starting with “Kadina Rahasya”, Shankar produced a host of films with protection of forest and wildlife as the main theme. Notable among them being “Rama Lakshmana”, “Kaadina Raaja”, “Mrugalaya”, “Onde Guri”, and the best among them being “Gandhada Gudi” with Rajkumar in the lead role. “Gandhada Gudi”, won many laurels, and also made the Karnataka state government bring into force certain forest laws. If something kept him away from films it was his failing health.
M.P. Shankar remained aloof when it came to lobbying for awards. Better late than never, the state government conferred him the Rajyothsava award a few years ago. Having a huge fan following in the state, M.P. Shankar would be remembered forever. But the tragedy is that there is no one in the film industry who loves the forests as he did.
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