Dharwad
Renowned theatre director and comedian Yashwant Sardeshpande was honored at a special tribute organized at the Rangayana Cultural Complex by the G.B. Dharwad Joshi Memorial Trust, in association with Kshamata Hubballi. The event drew senior theatre personalities, litterateurs, and dignitaries who shared their memories and celebrated Sardeshpande’s immense contribution to Kannada theatre and cinema.
Journalist Bandu Kulkarni praised Sardeshpande’s experimental spirit, saying, “He was a true innovator. He experimented not only in theatre but also in cinema, pursuing his vision without calculating profit or loss. His unique style of comedy captivated audiences and showcased his versatility.”
Veteran writer Srinivas Vadappi highlighted Sardeshpande’s role in elevating the Kannada spoken in North Karnataka. “Previously, this dialect was mostly used in films for comic relief or indecent portrayals. Sardeshpande used it creatively in his plays and movies, revealing the language’s beauty to audiences across the state,” Vadappi said.
Senior teacher Mohan Siddhanti spoke about the challenges Sardeshpande faced while establishing the ‘Adiranga’ theatre. “He overcame numerous obstacles to complete this landmark venue, yet sadly, it now stands neglected, an orphan of the very community it enriched,” he remarked.
Theatre personality Arvind Kulkarni proposed organizing an annual theatre festival in Sardeshpande’s memory, emphasizing that his artistic legacy should continue to inspire future generations.
Other speakers included Vishweshwari Hiremath and senior journalist Mallikarjuna Siddannavar, who praised Sardeshpande’s dedication to theatre and his contribution to nurturing talent. The event was attended by Govind Joshi and Sameer Joshi, while Ravi Kulkarni skillfully compered the programme, keeping the audience engaged with anecdotes and reflections on Sardeshpande’s life.
The tribute underscored the profound impact Yashwant Sardeshpande had on Karnataka’s cultural landscape, honoring a man whose creativity and courage enriched the arts and left an indelible mark on theatre and cinema.
