A Kannada play in Pune - 'Girija Kalyana'

As part of Amol Palekar's Rang-Sangeet Mahotsav-2007, 'SPANDANA', the theatre group run by B Jayashri (daughter of G V Malathamma and grand daughter of Gubbi Veeranna) presented 4 Kannada plays at Pune.

Lakshapati, Karimaee, Chitrapata & Girija Kalyana were played during Rang-Sangeet Mahotsav. The first 3 plays were staged on October 11th, 12th & 13th at Y B Chavan auditorium, Kothrud (Pune). 'Girija Kalyana' was staged at the Balagandharva Rangamandira on 14th Oct. The play reminded of the good old days of the Kannada musical theatre tradition and soulful acting. I don't know how many Kannadigas staying at Pune used this opportunity to watch this play. I was there the whole day and had a chance to see and talk to great performers like G V Malathamma (Gubbi Veeranna's daughter), Enagi Balappa (remember the role of Basaveshwara he used to play!) - these two are in their late eighties or ninties and going strong!. During Rang-Sangeet Mahotsav, Balappa and Malathamma were felicitated by another great name from Karnataka - Gangubai Hangal.

Below is a collage of few snaps that I took during performance of Girija Kalyana. The play tells the story of a young couple revolving around the theme of serial suicides of farmers in Karnataka and Maharastra due to famine, crop failures, debts etc. Play is written by B Sureesha and is directed by B Jayashri....as always B Jayashri was at her best during this play with her singing, acting and vachanas, also very well supported by the whole team.

Anil

Rajgad - 30Sep & 01Oct2007

Rajgad- the king of forts
Rajgad literally means King of forts is one of the most glorious forts of Maharashtra. Situated in Pune district of Maharashtra, India this fort is approximately 4250 feet above sea level. Formerly known as Murumdev, it was capital of the Maratha Kingdom (Hindavi Swarajya) ruled by Chhatrapati Shivaji for almost 26 years, after which he moved to Raigad. Treasure found on adjacent Torna was used to fortify this hill.

I started to climb the fort around evening, as I arrived very late at the base. It takes around 1.5 to 2hrs to reach the top. I had decided to stay on top of the fort in temple, but had not taken bedding etc. with me. I met with another group of professional trekkers on top, who accomodated me with them.

The next day, we all climbed up to Balekilla and the other team started decent. I went to Suvela Machi and other places and came down the fort around evening. While returning back to Pune, one can also visit the Balaji temple very near to the Satara highway, which is a very well maintained temple and laddu prasad tasting very similar to the one from Tirupati.

For more information on Rajgad, visit links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajgad
http://amitkulkarni.info/pics/rajgad-fort/
http://trekshitiz.com/

2nd Trek to Rajgad_25Dec2007

Second trek to Rajgad was with my friend Girish Udupa. Girish, his cousin Satyanarayana Bhat working @ Pune and myself did this trek from Gunjavane village at the base of the fort. Collage of the trek