Monday, May 7, 2012

Once in a lifetime experience

I was at Rangashankara to watch Agni Mattu Male on Saturday.

While I was waiting for my Jaljeera at the cafe, a gentleman came over and ordered for some Saboodaana. I could instantly guess it was Hamsalekha, Sandalwood's most popular music director of his generation. However, I also got a doubt because there was nobody around him. I mean, no fans, nobody from Natana (the troupe staging the play). Eventually, we just exchanged glances and walked our own way.

While I was sipping my jaljeera, Mandya Ramesh (director of the play) came over and sought the music maestro's blessings. I was delighted.

Hamsalekha is known to be a very jovial person. Every person who has spent time with him has said that laugther fills the room he is in. The skeptic in me always thought that these people are telling this just to please him. However, in less than a minute he met Mandya Ramesh, I could hear them cracking up. Later when he met B.Jayashree and her group, I heard a roaring laughter! Sometimes it is good to be proved wrong. :)

Thoughts in my mind, naguva, nagisuva, nagisi naguta baaLuva varava mige neenu bedikoLo mankutimma. Salute to the man who does this.

I also saw Girish Karnad (the playwright of Agni Mattu Male) at the venue. For me, it was like a dream come true. I simply could not believe my eyes. Just the thought of watching his play with him gave me goosebumps.

After the show, he was called on to stage to receive some honors. He walked down the seating area, removed his footwear, offered his salutations to the stage, and got on to the stage. I was spellbound by the charisma, simplicity, and modesty of the man. When he was receiving the flower bouquet from Mandya Ramesh, I was so overwhelmed that I had a lump in my throat. First time that has happened in my 5 yrs of theatre-watching experience.

This is one moment I will cherish for a very long time.