Theatre, women artist's problems on new Rajya Sabha MP's mind

Bangalore, March 20 (IANS) Noted Kannada theatre personality B. Jayashree, the newly nominated Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka, says she will raise in parliament the concerns of Indian theatre and the problems faced by women in the performing arts field.

"I am very extremely happy at this recognition. I think my responsibilities have increased. I think this recognition is not just for me but for the achievements of Kannada theatre and also for the state of Karnataka. I will work with responsibility to find solutions to many problems facing Indian theatre as a whole," Jayashree told IANS

Jayashree, who was nominated to the Rajya Sabha Friday along with former union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar and well-known lyricist Javed Akhtar, is the granddaughter of Kannada theatre icon Gubbi Veeranna. He had founded the famous Gubbi Theatres, one of most professionally managed theatre groups in Karnataka.

"Now, I think I have to think of the whole country and also try to raise issues concerning theatre. I will try to see that my voice is heard by the whole country. I will also raise issues pertaining to women who work in the field of performing arts and other allied fields," said Jayashree, who has also dabbled in films and singing.

Trained under theatre giants like B.V. Karanth and Ebrahim Alkazi at the National School of Drama, Jayashree started her own group Spandana in Bangalore and staged many plays, known for their superb technical values and vibrant music. Some of her best presentations include "Lakhpathi Rajana Kathe", "Thaayi" and "Karimaayi".

Jayashree's contribution to Kannada theatre has been recognised with many prestigious awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 1997. She was also chairman of the Karnataka Nataka Academy for a year.