Om Puri was to inaugurate Bahuroopi theatre festival on Jan. 13

Rangayana, the State-run theatre repertory in Mysuru, which was eagerly waiting to host theatre personality and actor Om Puri, is in a state of shock over his sudden demise.

The actor, who is known for his inimitable voice, had confirmed to inaugurate the Bahuroopi National Theatre Festival at Rangayana here on January 13.

Rangayana Deputy Director Nirmala Mathapathi, who had spoken to the actor on few occasions in connection with Bahuroopi, told

The Hindu that the actor had confirmed to participate in the annual event in November itself.

Expressing shock over his death, Ms. Mathapathi said Rangayana and its artistes were waiting to see him visit the repertory and interact with theatre enthusiasts here besides inaugurating the flagship theatre extravaganza.

“We were keen to get the festival opened by Mr. Puri this year since four theatre groups from abroad had confirmed their participation,” she added.

Ms. Mathapathi said Mr. Puri had informally agreed to their request when they first called him over phone expressing their wish that he inaugurated the festival. However, Mr. Puri said he would have to check his shooting schedules and confirm his participation in a few days, which he did. The actor’s office had sent an email confirming his participation in the last week of November and Rangayana had booked tickets for his travel.

“The actor was supposed to arrive in Bengaluru on January 12 and meet his theatre friends there before coming to Mysuru for Bahuroopi. His return ticket was booked for January 14,” she added.

She said the actor had once spoken to her in a couple of Kannada words, which showed his love for the language.

Rangayana has been holding the annual theatre event since many years. The show has become sort of a “brand” for the repertory. This year, the theatre show has managed to attract four productions from abroad, besides 11 plays from the State and other parts of the country. Theatre artistes from Uzbekistan, Poland, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will stage their productions.