What is it about auto drivers and Shankar Nag? Even years after his death, Karnataka’s auto drivers seem to share a special bond with him. If you look around while commuting across the city, you would have seen umpteen autos with an image of the actor. He immortalised the auto driver with his portrayal of an auto driver in his film Auto Raja. Not just Bengaluru, but the whole of Karnataka now boasts the presence of Shankar Nag Auto Drivers Associations. If you travel towards the outskirts of the city and rural areas, you will also see auto stands named after the late actor. November 9 is his birthday and auto drivers across the city celebrate it with grandeur. In fact, his birthday is also celebrated as Autorickshaw Day.
Metroplus talks to a few auto drivers and members of the Shankar Nag Auto Drivers Association, Hennur and Narayanapura Cross and finds how they plan to celebrate the day.
James R, a fan
Shankar anna made a good name and was a versatile actor. He stood strong in the midst of actors like Dr Rajkumar and Dr Vishnuvardhan. He found his own footing. He also did theatre simultaneously and was experimental in many ways. He did not restrict himself to just one thing, but donned the hats of director, cameraman, and also was good in cinema’s technical aspects.
In his last days, he did extremely well with films like Sangliana and CBI Shankar, where he acted as a police officer. Auto drivers like him because of his depiction of the role of an auto driver in the film Auto Raja.
Ulhasappa, auto driver
He made a film about an auto driver’s life. And we wanted to do something in his memory and started the Shankar Nag Auto Balaga 10 years ago. We club it with Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations. We love him as an actor and also for his underwater shoot featuring Dr Rajkumar for the film Ondu Muttina Kathe. That was an amazing film. We will celebrate his birthday on November 11. We will give free food in his memory and all of us will also donate blood in his name.
Kempegowda, member of Shankar Nag Auto Drivers Association, Hennur
We are all members of the Hennur branch and work as one family. Our organisation will celebrate his birthday today by giving free food to people and also distributing free books to needy children in his name. Though I am not an auto driver, I am a part of this sangha and Shankar Nag is a big inspiration for all of us. I loved his film Minchina Ota as it was so unique and love that underwater shot with Dr Rajkumar in Ondu Muthina Kathe.
Ramu, auto driver
I started driving an auto 10 years ago, and have been a member of this association ever since. I have never missed celebrating his birthday even for a single year. He spoke about respecting every one, even auto drivers. I believe we have kept him alive by posting his image on our autos and celebrating him with every opportunity we get.
Shankar, auto driver
I feel happy that I share his name. I love to drive an auto in his name. The film Auto Raja touched me a special way. We relate to him in a special way and will celebrate his birthday with a puja in the morning today and in the evening with an orchestra.
All I can say is that I am great fan of the great actor.