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Arundhati Nag - Making The World See Her Dreams! By - Anumeet Kaur Bedi A fashion designer by profession, Anumeet Kaur Bedi always had the writer’s instinct in her and when the call came, she gave in and started studying journalism. Issues of women rush like blood in her veins, and at SAWF, Anumeet would open up the Window to Karnataka on women’s issues.

A dreamer’s dream which was destined to be, finally became a reality! This dream was “Ranga Shankara” and the dreamer was none other than Arundhati Nag, a veteran actress and wife of the late actor Shankar Nag. An actor of Shankar’s stature does not really require an introduction, but for those of us who are oblivious, he contributed a lot to Kannada cinema, as an actor, producer and director. And who can forget “Malgudi Days”, which was a TV adaptation of R K Narayan’s novels!

Arundhati Nag

Ranga Shankara is a theatre auditorium established in October 2004 in South Bangalore by Arundhati Nag, with the help of many others, in the memory of her late husband. Having a seating capacity of 320, which can be extended to 350, if required, it is not just another auditorium that can be hired to stage plays. It is intended to be a platform for the amateur theatre performers, says Arundhati Nag, smiling.

In her opinion, a Ranga Shankara is just what any city requires to define itself! She is of the belief, that there is a need for places like this, to explore our vibrant culture. And though Arundhati very modestly says, that they are still in the budding stage, the success of Ranga Shankara is apparent from the fact that it is completely booked till April ’05.

The access to the theatre is for a mere Rs.49/-, which is very unusual, what with all other theatres charging a much higher entry fee! Although the reason given by Arundhati for the low entry charges, is quite simple and straight. She says that if the tickets are sold at Rs.50/- or more, it attracts entertainment tax and theatre should be kept aloof of taxes, since it provides employment to a large number of people, ranging from actors, musicians, technicians, to tailors, make-up artists, and painters.

In fact, Arundhati and some others from the theatre community want to get together and file a petition to the government against the entertainment tax. Normally, 10 per cent tax per ticket has to be paid to the tax department, before the staging of the play. In case you fail to sell all the tickets, forget about the refund for the tickets that didn’t sell, or make it a habit to visit them every now and then! Hence, Arundhati says, she wants as little to do with the government, as possible. A wise decision, to be sure!

To stage your play at Ranga Shankara, you shall have to shell out Rs.2, 500/- a day, a show. In return you get the most amazing auditorium, with a revolving stage! Very few auditoria in our country offer such a treat. Also, the Ranga Shankara building has a bookshop, a café and an art gallery. Groups that wish to price their tickets higher, can do so, by paying an extra 10 per cent on each ticket sold, informs Arundhati. Although they do not get directly involved in the publicity process, they do print and distribute hand bills and posters, which contain the entire month’s programme, she says.

As of now, there is no selection process for the plays to be staged. Arundhati’s experience and expertise in theatre, helps her take decisions regarding the same. Also, Ranga Shankara does not target any particular audience. Anybody who is ready to pay the price is welcome there.

Aru, as she is affectionately known amid all at Ranga Shankara, has the cream when it comes to the people working for her. It is more like a household, where every body is busy doing their share of the chores. When you witness them working, you realize that Ranga Shankara is not just about Shankar Nag or Arundhati Nag. It is about all those people who have been sweating out to make it what it is today.

Ranga Shankara has often been talked about and so has Arundhati Nag. The establishment of Ranga Shankara has been done with. Now is the time to move ahead and see what it has to offer in the future! Arundhati says, it is too early to comment on how Ranga Shankara will change the theatre scene in the country, as it’s only a few months old. Fair enough! But with the way things are shaping up for Ranga Shankara, it is surely here to stay!

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