Celebrated playwright, actor, and filmmaker Girish Karnad once shared insights on the connection between theatre and modern entertainment like television and video. He believed that the emergence of television and video should not be seen as a threat to theatre but as a way to make art and entertainment more accessible to a broader audience.
In an interview with Doordarshan, Karnad highlighted how Indian entertainment has evolved over time. He mentioned the dominance of folk theatre in the 19th century, followed by company theatre, cinema in the 1930s, and the subsequent introduction of television and video, which expanded the artistic mediums available to viewers.
Karnad emphasized the importance of television in reaching individuals who may not have access to live cultural experiences. He acknowledged that television and video provide entertainment to those who previously had limited or no exposure to theatre, including women, servants, and the bedridden.
Girish Karnad, a renowned literary and cultural figure in India, was known for his significant contributions to modern Indian theatre. His plays such as ‘Tughlaq’, ‘Hayavadana’, and ‘Nagamandala’ are considered classics in Indian drama, reflecting his transformative impact on the theatrical landscape.
