Sandalwood classics come alive at photo expo

Stills from Kannada movies were displayed on Monday at Maharani Arts, Commerce and Management College for Women, Seshadri Road, as part of a photo exhibition on Kannada films.

The exhibition was organised by the Information Department and Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy as an ode to the Kannada film industry that completed 80 years last year, and also to spread awareness about Sandalwood movies among the youth.

As many as 135 movie stills were exhibited by the Information department, which had procured the images from the Academy. Stills from old Kannada movies such as Bhakta Prahlada, Sathya Harishchandra, Doorada Betta and Nammoora Mandara Hoove instilled a sense of nostalgia among the visitors. Also on display were stills from award-winning and recent movies such as Lucia, Haseena, Nishkarsha, among others.

The occasion also witnessed artists paying tributes to yesteryear movies by singing a medley of songs from them.

Information Minister Roshan Baig, who flagged off the event, expressed disappointment over the Kannada songs being made today. “While the songs made in 1950s and 60s are still fresh in our minds, those produced now are easily forgettable,” he said.

President of Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy and veteran director S V Rajendra Singh Babu too voiced his anguish over the quality of songs. He urged the lyricists to pen songs keeping in mind the public, especially women. He said, “I request lyricists to be careful while penning songs. They should remember that they have a social responsibility and cannot have a negative influence on society.”

Babu maintained that till date, 3,000 to 4,000 Kannada films have been produced with a song bank of 25,000 to 30,000.

Music director Hamsalekha and actor Aditya were present on the occasion.