Girish Karnard...
Remembering the giant!!!
There are few actors in the industry we believe we have forever seen in different avatars and they are closer to home, closer to our hearts, and more relatable in that sense.
Their imagery is not dominant to their personal character traits, they flow with time, and create wonders and when they leave... they leave a void which cannot be fulfilled.
Remembering one of the greatest like that "Girish Karnard", an actor and writer par excellence, an indomitable Indian who fought for the rights of the people even during his fragile state of illness.
As a kid, I saw him in Doordarshan shows, watched his movies, and read his plays and to me, he remained constant, part of my existence unknowingly.
The first time I watched Manthan, I was young and didn't understand the depth of the film but what I took back with me was Girish Karnard, Smita Patil and Farmers of Anand.
Over the years I followed Girish Karnard's work closely, as a film student I would go at length reading whatever material was written by him.
He was not the person who witnessed history he became part of it, he created some of the most revolutionised plays like Tuqlaq and Yayati.
When Hindi Cinema was walking the tight rope of "Parallel Cinema" he was one of the leading figures who jumped into it and shaped it.
Not the bystander like many artists who love watching from the fence, he was responsible for the change.
The accolades he got are inspiring for any artist but most important he was an artist with a purpose.
3 years ago, when NRC was at its peak, every time there was a demonstration in Bengaluru, two people were constant.
Historian Ramchandra Guha and Girish Karnard.
Even in his fragile state, when he was breathing using external support of an oxygen cylinder he was there, such was his dedication towards society.
He has been an inspiration to artists and activists.
I will always remember him as one of the giants of theatre and cinema...
How is it possible to be a genius in every way? I think the answer truly lies with Girish Karnard.
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