A. Nicholas, noted theatre person from Hassan, who has been chosen by Karnataka Nataka Academy for the Cultured Comedian Award, plans to direct and act in 10 plays. In his career spanning six decades, Nicholas, 68, has played major roles in 990 plays so far. He wants to reach the 1,000 mark.
The academy chose him for the K. Hirannayya Datta Puraskara, meant for actors who played comedians. The son of a policeman, Nicholas began acting at the age of nine. He was given the opportunity to act in plays sponsored by a local church in his school days. He toured different places and performed. When he was 19 years old, he started his own theatre group – Amara Jyoti Kala Sangha. “Those days, a month-long cattle fair was held in Hassan annually. Every year I used the occasion to stage plays. In 30 years, my team staged 280 plays,” he said.
Many established drama companies chose him to play the role of comedian. Besides this, for a few years, he worked as a comedian in Prabhat Circus, a famous circus company. Because of his involvement in theatre, he got in touch with many film actors, who had roots in theatre, and ventured in to cinema as well. He worked as an assistant director for around 25 movies including four directed by Puttanna Kanagal.
Music director Hamsalekha, former Minister and artist Umashree, actors Sunder Raj Urs, Sudhir, and Srinath, are among those who he has worked with in theatre.
“Those days there weren’t as many movies as there are today. We could get work only for six months in a year. Hence, I gave up the field and returned to the theatre,” he said. When there was no invitation to act in theatres, he used to sell sweets or run a cycle shop in Hassan. He gave up studies after SSLC, but obtained MA in Kannada from Karnataka State Open University at 55 and did his diploma in film technology at the age of 60.
He is glad that the academy has recognised his contribution to theatre. “Now, I cannot walk because of pain in my legs. I am confident of regaining my strength and get into acting again and completing 1,000 plays”, he said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / December 17th, 2018