The prominent comedy actor and director of Kannada cinema, Sarigama Viji, known for his annual play ‘Samsaradalli Sarigama’ on Ugadi festival day, passed away on Wednesday. At 77, Sarigama Viji was undergoing treatment at Manipal Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, for multi-organ problems.
Sarigama Viji entered the cinema industry in 1974, starting as an assistant director under Geetha Priya for the film ‘Beluvalada Madilalli’. He worked as an assistant director for films like Harake, Kappu Kola, Chanda Marutha, Thalibagya, Baddi Bangaramma, Kiladi Aliya, Hendthi Beku Hendthi, E Jeeva Ninaaagi, Mister Raja, Chikkejamanru, Mana Mecchida Sose, Emergency, Putmalli, and April Fool. Alongside his directorial work, he evolved into a comedy actor, acting in over 200 films and serving as an assistant director for more than 80 films.
Known for his comedy skits and roles on both big and small screens, he received the ‘Hasya Nataka Rathna’ award early in his career.
The stage play ‘Samsaradalli Sarigama’—which he wrote and directed—achieved a record with over 1,500 shows. For the last 21 years, Sarigama Viji consistently staged the play on Ugadi festival day, totaling 1,394 shows. The play was watched by many top film personalities in the Kannada film industry. A unique feature of this free-for-all show was the customary distribution of ‘Bevu and Bella’ (neem flower and jaggery). Sarigama Viji and Sridevi starred in hundreds of shows of the play ‘Samsaradalli Sarigama’.
Due to an accident during the shooting of ‘Kannadadha Kiran Bedi’, Viji was bedridden for a long time.
For the 1,285th show of ‘Samsaradalli Sarigama’, National Award-winning actress Umasri played the female lead. The play was attended by many Kannada artists at Ravindra Kalakshetra.
Sarigama Viji had an illustrious career spanning nearly 50 years in the arts. Unfortunately, he did not receive the recognition he truly deserved.
May his soul rest in peace!
