At Dasara Film Festival, Ashwathnarayana’s visual ode to Kannada cinema
From Dr Rajkumar’s fundraising yatra to the muhurat of Professor Huchuraya, 220 frames take viewers on a trip down memory lane at Mysuru’s Dasara Film Festival
If you’re a connoisseur of Kannada cinema and interested in a nostalgic journey through its 90-year-old history, don’t miss the exhibition at Inox Cinema in Mall of Mysuru. The show, part of the ongoing Dasara Film Festival (October 4-10), which will screen about 112 odd movies, is a visual ode to Kannada films through stills captured between 1970 and 2000.
A treasure trove of over 200 evocative images, primarily in black and white, shot by renowned photojournalist Ashwath Narayan from 1966 to 2005, transport you back in time, offering a unique glimpse into Karnataka’s cinematic past. These photo frames narrate the visual history of Kannada cinema, spanning nine decades.
Narayan captured Kannada cinema during an era when film stills played a major role in promoting movies, often displayed in glass showcases at single-screen theatres. Cine-goers fondly recall viewing these photographs before the show began. Narayan brought honour and dignity to the profession of still photography in the Kannada film industry, securing his place in its history. Here is a selection of some photographs at the festival:
Dr Rajkumar and Bharathi in a happy mood during the yatra of Kannada artists to collect funds for the Indian government for the welfare of soldiers. Photo: Ashwathnarayana
Narasimharaju, Dwarakish and K S L Swamy (Ravee) during the muhurat of Professor Huchuraya, the last film produced by Narasimha Raju, the thespian of Kannada cinema.
Kalpana, the top heroine of Kannada cinema in the 1970s, interviewing Rajesh Khanna during his visit to Bangalore to participate in a programme organised by Suchitra film society in 1977. It was a festival of 70 films from the golden past.
Veteran actor Devika Rani. This picture was also clicked during the same film festival in Bangalore.
Actor Shashi Kumar lifting veteran director Siddalingaiah during a shoot when he could not walk in 1992.
Amitabh Bachchan during the shooting of Sholay in Karnataka.
Raj Kapoor, India’s one and only showman, during the promotion of Bobby.
Rishi Kapoor in Karnataka for the promotion of his debut film Bobby.