Maharashtra pays tributes to Girish Karnad

Mumbai: Leaders from across political parties in Maharashtra on Monday paid warm tribute to the acclaimed actor, stage and film personality, Girish Karnad, who passed away earlier in the day in Bengaluru. Some of his old friends and colleagues from Maharashtra revealed little known aspects of his life, saying he never boasted about his intellect despite his towering stature.

The noted playwright and actor Girish Karnad died on Monday after a prolonged illness. Karnad, a progressive voice that championed the freedom of expression, breathed his last at his residence in Bengaluru at the age of 81.

“With the demise of noted actor, writer and Jnanpith Awardee Girish Karnad, we have lost a great personality of Indian cinema, especially theatre. He was also associated with Marathi theatre. My humble tribute. Deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans! #GirishKarnad,” chief minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted.

Born in Matheran, in Raigad district of Maharashtra, Karnad’s works connected ancient Puranic tales with contemporary issues and inspired people to think on them, said mr Fadnavis in his tributes.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Raj Thackeray said Karnad’s greatest contribution was to “weave together history and mythology and create an incredible momentum to highlight issues of contemporary India”.

Actress and Congress leader Urmila Matondkar called Karnad “a great playwright and actor, more importantly a dedicated socio-political activist against religious fundamentalism” known for multiculturalism and free speech. NCP president Sharad Pawar also paid tributes to the actor and said Karnad’s demise was saddening. He also highlighted that the Jnanpith awardee had made a huge contribution in the spheres of literature and culture.

“This artist made valuable contribution in Marathi theatre’s matured movement. Tributes to him!” Mr. Pawar tweeted. Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan noted that Karnad was a sensitive artist and talked about social issues.

Some of his old friends and colleagues from Maharashtra revealed little known aspects of his life. “Though the actor was well read and was known for his love for books, his colleagues never felt that pressure”, said Ashok Kulkarni, Karnad’s Pune-based friend since their college days.

“We used to discuss cinema, theatre and other forms of literature but I don’t remember any time when Karnad tried to dominate the conversation with his intellect,” he told a news agency.

“He was also the only director of FTII who went on to serve as its chairman. He was FTII’s director from January 1, 1974 to December 31, 1975 and later served as its chairman from February 1999 to October 2001, an FTII official said.