Mysuru has retained its essence of a small village, says Rajashekar Kadamba

What is your happiest memory of the city?
Once I became more actively involved in theatre in the city, I would often go and meet the Poet Laureate Kuvempu to discuss literature with him. And then in 1992, thespian Rajkumar was in the city to inaugurate a theatre fest called Kuvempu Rangotsava, and after the event, I took the actor to meet the doyen of Kannada letters. To this day, I am proud of the fact that I arranged a meeting between these two jewels of Karnataka, both of whom had by then been conferred the prestigious Karnataka Ratna award by then. That will always remain a special moment for me.

How has the city changed over the years?

I came to Mysuru in 1961 and the city was peaceful with little traffic and few vehicles. We could walk across the city, and used bicycles most of the time. Dasara celebrations were a grand spectacle, celebrated with pomp. We would carry mats, spread them out on Sayyaji Rao Road and watch the procession. I once rented a royal costume to watch the Khas Durbar. Now, Mysuru has grown by leaps and bounds as a city but it has retained its core essence. It has retained the charm of a small village.

How has the city shaped you, and your career?

It was Ta.Ra.Subbarao’s novel ‘Durgasthamaana’ that changed the course of my life in Mysuru. Initially, I was involved in staging plays as part of the Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations, and then, one of my mentors VS Keshava Rao, asked us to stage Ta Ra Subbarao’s magnum opus. We rehearsed for the play at Sharada Vilas College for three months, and staged it at Kalamandira. The price of one ticket back then was Rs 5, and all shows ran to packed houses, and I met Rangayana founder and theatre doyen BV Karanth. People thronged theatres to watch plays, but television has hampered the form. Mysuru has always encouraged theatre.

What are the improvements you would like to see in the city over the next five to ten years?

Mysuru is popular across the world as a tourist attraction. But more projects need to be undertaken to improve that image. The actor-director Shankar Nag dreamt of a ropeway along Chamundi Hills, but this remains on paper. Countries such as Singapore and China have promoted tourism so zealously that the US itself has now been relegated to the background. More corporate companies should come to Mysuru, and provide employment to the locals. Similarly, more theatres need to be built and nurtured in the city to provide amateur theatre artistes a platform to showcase their talent.

What aspects would you like the city to retain?

A structure like Jaganmohan Palace, where cultural programmes were held regularly in the past is in a pathetic condition. I urge the members of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family to undertake renovation of this heritage structure. The city is known for its culture, but cultural avenues need to be developed. The existing ones have to be saved.

What would you say is the pride of your city?

The royal legacy is the pride of Mysuru. When I am asked about my hometown, it is with pride I say I am from Mysuru, a land where Royalty is not just a fancy word but an integral part of its ethos. Also, when we see someone dapper, we say he or she looks like a ‘Maharaja’ or a ‘Maharani’ respectively. Also, Mysore Palace is our pride

Which is your favourite dish in Mysuru?

Ragi mudde, sopp saaru (gruel made from greens) and mutton pulao at Hotel Hanumathu.