Date:02/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/02/stories/2006070215770300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Eminent dramatist honoured

Staff Reporter

Raadhu was able to keep the audience engrossed: S. Ve. Shekher

HONOURED: Dramatist Raadhu was presented the Nataka Kalasarathy award by film director K. Balachander at a function held at Mylapore Fine Arts Club on Saturday. — PHOTO: R. RAGU

CHENNAI: Friends and peers who recalled dramatist Raadhu's contributions to the field on Saturday said if stage plays had survived, it was because of him. Raadhu had encouraged producers A.V.M. Saravanan, K. Balachander, and dramatist-turned-politician S. Ve. Shekher.

At a function to honour Raadhu, who had encouraged artistes and playwrights to stage plays, speakers said that television had ousted stage performances but some playwrights continued to hold sway. Conferring the title "Nataka Kalasarathy" on Raadhu, K. Balachander recalled his early days as a dramatist and his performances at the Mylapore Fine Arts Club. The ace director said he had begun writing plays again.

If he staged a comeback he would seek out Raadhu, who had "genuine passion for theatre and drama." The award comprised a citation, a gold medal and Rs. 5,000. Mr. Balachander thanked the patronage of the Mylapore residents and inaugurated the 106-year-old Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha's nine-day drama festival. The award was conferred on the occasion of the inauguration of the festival.

Mr. Saravanan, a school friend of Mr. Raadhu, said Mr. Balachander's "Rail Sneham" had inspired others to move to the small screen. "Just as he brought improvement to films, he brought improvements to television," Mr. Saravanan said.

Mr. Shekher, whose troupe Natakapriya later staged a play, said Raadhu was able to keep the audience engrossed. He urged sponsors and patrons to convert the Mylapore Fine Arts Club hall into an air-conditioned auditorium. Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetty, president of the Sabha, and M. Murali of Sri Krishna Sweets spoke on the occasion.

Mr. Raadhu said despite his 44 years' service, thrill and fear coursed through him when he received the award. It meant he would have to be inventive to remain in the field.