The 42nd edition of the comedy playlets competitions, organised by Sumadhura Kala Niketan with the assistance of Andhra Pradesh State Film, TV and Theatre Development Corporation at Tummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram, Vijayawada, saw popular comedian Ali emphasising the importance of Guru-Shisya lineage.
“Any art form will not flourish if gurus not respected. I will be failing in my duty if I forget the role of Jandhyala played in my life. I owe everything to him,” he said in an emotional tone after receiving the Jandhyala memorial award conferred on him by the organising committee.
He said that it was Jandhyala who gave many comedians the star image in the film industry and brought them close to audience and fame. “In his script he always gave importance to comedy”.
Income Tax Principal Commissioner Ajay Kumar complemented the organisers for promoting clean comedy by staging a playlet competition every year.
The hosts also felicitated two stalwarts — Karnati Lakshmi Narasaiah and G. Lakshmi — for their yeoman service to Telugu theatre.
Along with eight scrutinised playlets, the members of Sumadhura Kala Niketan also staged a hilarious playlet Maa Intiki Randi written by Abdul Khuddus and directed by B.R.S. Prakash.
However, the star attraction of the edition was New Delhi-based Lalita Kala Vahini’s My Name is Seetalu which was an all-women cast. The playlet was written by S.A. Rao and directed by Munnangi Kusuma who also bagged special jury prize. “Including the director all the participants in this play were women. Artistes Aruna, Garemella Karuna, M. M. Rajeswari, Y. Parvathi Reddy, E. Radha, M. Padmavathi, L. Sita, Krishnaveni and C. Jagadheswari deserve a huge round applause,” said H. S. R. V.Prasad, founder of the Niketan.
P. Mohaneswara Rao won the best actor award for Khel Khatham…Dukhan Bandh while Gantaku Tagga Bontha presented by Malladi Creations of Hyderabad won the best production, script, actress, make up and stage craft awards.
Emi Cheppanu … Ela Cheppanu won second best production, best director and a special jury award while Sitapati was selected for best music award and a special jury award to S.N.P Prasad for his performance.
V.Ch.K. Prasad and Lahari won the special jury awards for their performance in Taguna Edi Bhama .
