On a somber Wednesday in Bengaluru, the film fraternity bid adieu to one of its stalwarts, veteran Kannada actor, producer, and director Dwarakish, as he was conferred with State honours in a solemn ceremony. The city witnessed a confluence of grief and respect as Dwarakish, who left for his heavenly abode at the age of 81 on Tuesday, was laid to rest amidst the presence of several luminaries from the Kannada cinema and other spheres.
The cultural hub known as Ravindra Kalakshetra became a gathering ground, where Dwarakish’s mortal remains were laid out for the public and personalities from the film industry to pay their last respects. A testament to his legacy, the venue saw a steady stream of artists and fans united in mourning. Among those who paid homage were actors Yash, Sudeep, V. Ravichandran, Dhruva Sarja, Ramesh Aravind, Jaggesh, and Mukhyamantri Chandru; actresses Shruti and Sumalatha Ambareesh; Sundar Raju, Kumar Govind; and eminent music composer Hamsalekha.
Dwarakish’s impact transcended the boundaries of cinema and touched the corridors of power, drawing the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, to pay his final respects. Reflecting on personal memories, Siddaramaiah reminisced about a helicopter ride they shared to Mysuru, where they engaged in deep discussions on politics, cinema, and social issues. Remembering Dwarakish as a ‘towering performer,’ the Chief Minister lauded his indomitable spirit in the face of life’s vicissitudes, highlighting his perseverance in acting and film production despite several challenges.
Echoing the Chief Minister’s sentiment, Hamsalekha spoke to reporters, regarding Dwarakish not merely as a colleague, but a beacon of inspiration and a case study in artistic determination. He expressed a commonly shared sentiment that Dwarakish’s contributions merited greater recognition during his lifetime. Similarly, actor Yash emphasized the late artist’s proclivity for breaking conventional barriers in filmmaking to carve out his path to success.
The final rites, embodying the customs and the deep respect accorded to Dwarakish’s memory, were performed by his eldest son, Santosh, at the TR Mill Crematorium in Chamarajpet. In a poignant tribute, the Karnataka Police honoured his memory by firing three rounds of bullets. In a gesture that epitomized Dwarakish’s giving spirit, his family donated his eyes to Narayana Nethralaya, exemplifying his lasting vision for a world beyond his time.
Dwarakish, a name synonymous with the Kannada and broader Indian cinema, leaves behind a rich legacy dotted with hits and memorable performances that shaped and reflected the region’s socio-cultural fabric. His departure marks the end of an era, yet his contributions continue to resonate, inspiring generations of artists and filmmakers who aspire to emulate his creativity, resilience, and his undying passion for the silver screen.
As the film industry gradually comes to terms with Dwarakish’s absence, there is a unanimous appreciation for the path he paved – one that gave the Kannada film industry a stature and prestige that continues to grow. The farewell afforded to Dwarakish was not just a mark of State honour, but a celebratory recognition of a life lived with purpose and artistry, leaving an indelible impact on the canvas of Indian cinema.
