'Nanna thamma Shankara' released

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, SEPT. 23. ``Nanna thamma Shankara'' is finally in print. The book -- actor Anant Nag's story of his brother, Shankar Nag's life -- was officially released at the Yavanika here on Sunday.

Mr. Anant Nag's account was originally published eight years ago in serial form in the popular ``Lankesh Patrike''. ``In fact, when I was asked to write this by (the late) P.Lankesh, I first had to overcome my nervousness at being put in the position of a writer,'' Mr. Anant Nag told his audience.

To work on the account, he had drawn on his experience in adapting Marathi plays to Kannada, he said. But later, once he got into the work, the ``story wrote itself,'' he explained. He was profoundly grateful to Lankesh. ``Writing down Shankar's story has helped ease my pain at his loss.''

To requests whether he would ever write again, Mr. Anant Nag replied: ``If I get a similar `spoorthi' (inspiration), I will write another book.''

It may be recalled here that the serial version of ``Nanna Thamma Shankara'' proved to be immensely popular. The talented Shankar Nag's sudden demise in a car accident had profoundly grieved his family, friends and fans. And the huge turnout on Sunday was ample proof of that love.

The brothers' associates from the literary and film worlds -- including Mr. Manohar, music director; actors, Ramesh Bhat and Dattanna -- and former Chief Justice, Mr. Nittoor Srinivasa Rao, were among those gathered there.

Extracts from the book, published by ``Nalanda Mantapa'', were also read out. According to film director and writer, Mr. N.S.Shankar, the book captures the essence of the relationship between Anant Nag and his younger brother. He was all praise for Mr. Anant Nag's style and easy usage of words. ``The flow of words do not merely show what boundless energy Shankar had, the style also reveals Mr. Anant Nag's acute perception and keen powers of observation,'' he said.

Besides, the book poignantly told of the loss of a brother. ``It has a brooding quality about it,'' Mr. Shankar added.

The late Lankesh's daughter, Ms. Gowri Lankesh, released the book. Writer/poet, Mr. Jayanth Kaikini, and Mr. Puttaswamy of Nalanda Mantapa were present.

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