“Kantu” wins first prize at State Level Kannada Drama Competition

Udupi: In the 41st State Level Kannada Drama Competition 2020, organized by Rangabhumi, the Bengaluru-based Samasthi troupe has won the first prize for their drama “Kantu.”

The troupe will receive the Late Puthu Vaikuntha Shet Memorial cash prize of Rs 35,000 and the Dr TMA Pai Paryaya plaque.

This is Samasthi troupe’s third consecutive win in the competition.

The second prize in the competition has been awarded to Dharwad Samudaya Tanda’s “Taledanda” drama.

The troupe will receive the Late Malpe Madhvaraj Memorial cash prize of Rs 25,000 and the Dr RP Koppikar Memorial award.

Udupi’s Sumanasa Kodavuru troupe’s “Neralilada Manushyaru” drama has been awarded the third prize.

The troupe will receive a cash prize of Rs 15,000 from Sita Vasudev Rao in memory of Late P Vasudev Rao.

Other prize winners include:

Best direction: First – Manjunatha L Badigera (“Kantu”); Second – Mahadeva Hadapada (“Taledanda”); Third – J Joseph (“Neralilada Manushyaru”)

Best Actor: First – Eeranna Ainapur (“Taledanda”); Second: Parameshwar K (“Kantu”); Third – Hari Samushti (“Kantu”)

Best Actress: First – Soumyashree Marnad (“Kantu”), Second – Radhika Diwakar (“Neralilada Manushyaru”), Third – Kiran (“Kantu”)

Best Music: First – “Mante Swami Katha Prasanga;” Second – “Kantu;” Third – “Taledanda”

Best decor and props: First – “Kantu;” Second – “Taledanda;” Third – “Neralilada Manushyaru”

Best costumes: First – “Kantu;” Second – “Taledanda;” Third – “Mante Swami Katha Prasanga”

Best lighting: First – “Kantu;” Second – “Neralilada Manushyaru;” Third – “Taledanda”

Best comic performance: Harish Rudrayya (“Kantu”)

Commendation prizes: Shivananda GK (“Kantu”), Naveen Netaji (“Mante Swami Katha Prasanga”), Divakar Kateelu (“Neralilada Manushyaru”).

The jury for the competition comprised of Professor Vasanth Bannadi, Chandrahasa Ullal, Belagodu Ramesh Bhat, Pratibha MV and Ganesh Mandarthi.

The main ceremony of the competition will be held on February 13 and the awards distribution will be on February 14. The events will be held at Muddana Mantapa of MGM College, Udupi.

First prize winner “Kantu” drama will be performed during the event.