He had acted on four landmark Kannada films
Enagi Balappa, a towering personality among the professional theatre artistes in the country who passed away on Friday morning, had also acted in as many as four Kannada films and filled life to the characters he essayed.
His first screen appearance was in “Maadi Madidavaru” directed by K.M. Shankarappa in 1974. The film was based on the novel by Basavaraja Kattimani, which depicted the freedom struggle vividly.
He returned to the celluloid after a gap of nearly two decades and essayed the important role in “Sangeetagara Gaanayogi Panchakshari Gavai” directed by Chindodi Bangaresh and produced by theatre personality Chindodi Leela (1995). The film bagged both national and state film awards.
Balappa’s performance in that film attracted attention of film maker T.S. Nagabharana, who offered him an important role in his landmark venture “Janumada Jodi” starring Shivarajkumar. The film, which was based on Gujarati writer Pannalal Patel’s Malela Jeev, got over eight awards.
His last appearance was in “Pareekshe” directed by Ravi Kumar in 2010 when he was 97-years-old. The film focussed on various issues, including education, eradication of AIDS and women’s empowerment.
Condoled
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condoled Balappa’s death. Describing him as the legendary centenarian of Kannada professional theatre, he recalled Balappa’s contribution to the fields of professional theatre, film and folklore.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said Balappa played an important role in various struggles for the land, including freedom fight, unification of Karnataka and Gokak agitation. Remembering Balappa’s performance in the Jagajyothi Basaveshwara play and women’s roles, he said Balappa used to get into the skin of the character.
Promising to realise Balappa’s dream of protecting collection of Ranga Geethegalu (theatre songs) and setting up of theatre music school, Mr. Siddaramaiah said he would direct the departments concerned to take action on that front.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Muralidhara Khajane / Bengaluru – August 18th, 2017