A memorial programme was organised by the C. V. Shivashankar Kala Pratishthana in memory of late senior writer and director C. V. Shivashankar. The event was attended by several dignitaries, artists, and admirers from the Kannada film and cultural fields.
Among those present on stage were Jayamala, senior actress Girija Lokesh, senior politician and film personality Madan Patel, and Sadashiv Shenoy. The programme began with a song related to C. V. Shivashankar sung by Shamik V Bharadwaj.
Director Venkat Bharadwaj delivered the welcome speech and explained the objectives of the C. V. Shivashankar Kala Pratishthana. He said C. V. Shivashankar had always encouraged new talent and introduced several artists to the Kannada film industry. He added that the development of the Kannada language and Kannada cinema had been the major goal of Shivashankar’s life.
During the event, two special awards were presented by the foundation. Kavi Raj received the “Bharavaseya Barahagara” award, while Sandeep Sunkad was honoured with the “Nishnatha Nirdeshaka” award.
As part of the event, a commemorative book featuring the life and achievements of C. V. Shivashankar was released by Jayamala and other dignitaries present on stage. On the occasion, Krishnaveni Nagaraj, wife of late author G. G. Nagaraj, Arun Hosakoppa, editor of Nairutya newspaper, and book designer Ishwar Badiger were felicitated.
Speaking at the event, Sadashiv Shenoy recalled the struggles faced by C. V. Shivashankar in his life. Referring to the film ‘Kannada Kuvara,’ he said Shivashankar had fought for 30 years to release the film, but it still remains unreleased. He urged Jayamala to help create opportunities for the release of films made by senior directors.
Girija Lokesh shared memories from her childhood and recalled learning dance from C. V. Shivashankar at the age of 12. She spoke about his honesty, punctuality, and simplicity.
Madan Patel said a proposal to name a road after C. V. Shivashankar had been pending for the last two years and requested Jayamala to write to the government for its implementation.
In her speech, Jayamala recalled the contributions of C. V. Shivashankar to Kannada cinema. She assured that she would write to the government regarding the road naming proposal. She also stressed the importance of digitising and preserving old films by senior directors to safeguard the history of Kannada cinema.
Kavi Raj and Sandeep Sunkad were presented with the CVS awards along with mementoes and cash prizes.
At the end of the programme, Lakshman Shivashankar delivered the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries who attended the event. He also recalled his father’s entry into the Kannada film industry and referred to ‘Subbaiya Naidu Drama Company’ as his second birth in cinema.
The programme was conducted in an organised manner with emphasis on punctuality, while anchor Sumathi received appreciation for her Kannada presentation. Senior actor Sundar Raj and senior writer and journalist Jogi were also present at the event.
During the programme, Sanhita and Tridara performed the song “Beledide Noda Bengaluru,” adding to the event proceedings.
The C. V. Shivashankar Kala Pratishthana stated that it intends to continue identifying and encouraging talented artists and technicians from the Kannada film industry in the coming years.
