‘Kalotsava’, a cultural fest to celebrate the life of theatre personality A.S. Murthy, was a hit among people of all age groups. Organised to commemorate his first death anniversary, the festival at Ramajaneya Hill in Hanumanthnagar was abuzz with various cultural and art activities.
The event began with unveiling of a bronze bust of A.S. Murthy by lexicographer G. Venkatasubbaiah, Jnanpith awardee Chandrashekar Kambar, theatre personality Prasanna and Mayor B.S. Sathyanarayana.
From art exhibitions, music camps, street plays, puppet shows to a short film festival, ‘Kalotsava’ had something for everyone.
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Chinmayee G. (09) was looking around with amazement at the craft work seen hanging from the trees. She said, “It is a marvellous mixture of many arts.” Ganga Sathish, a homemaker, appreciated the efficient usage of space at the hillock and said, “It is a great artistic expression.”
People were seen crowding around colourful paintings which adorned the pathways of the hillock. Over 600 paintings were put up by current and former students of Kalamandir, the art school made popular by A.S. Murthy.
Commenting on the paintings, Pavan K.M., local, said: “It requires a lot of hard work and coordination to organise an event on a scale as massive as this and make it successful.”
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A painting competition was organised for children. Aditi Gowda (15) said she was inspired to take up art by watching these professional artists.
A music camp was conducted for music lovers. With several activities planned through the day, organisers said that they expected more people to attend the festival. A musical performance by M.D. Pallavi and a live painting session by renowned artist B.K.S. Varma were among the highlights of the festival.