Sethuram: Kannada Stalwart

S N Sethuram has authored couple of novels - Navalla and Dahana - apart from many short stories. He has written and directed theatre plays - Nimitta, Gathi, Atheeta, and Uchchista - as well as written the screenplay and directed few television serials - Manthana, Dibanna, and Anavarana - for which he became most famous amongst people of Karnataka state (India). 

Personally, I consider Sethuram as a stalwart of Kannada literature in the 21st century. Here is why. I like the depth of human emotions that he plumbs in his works. He holds a mirror to the society in his works and makes us question our values in our life. Though all his works are in Kannada, his stories transcend cultural barriers.

His Kannada play titled Atheetha is a work of fiction about the life history of a famous criminal lawyer and means to his wealth, glory, and position. It questions the blind pursuit of power, fame and money, with disregard to values resulting in hollow lives of such celebrities. 

He has recorded a live performance of this play for us to watch it on YouTube with his  full consent - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NRihy1gF4M

'Gathi' another of his Kannada play is again a work of fiction shown as a dialogue between a grandfather and his granddaughter discussing the harsh realities of life for a girl child. It touches upon many issues pertaining to issues trusting distant family members, flaws of a patriarchal society,  and resulting struggles for a female child.

Luckily, we again have a recording of a live performance of this play for us to watch it on YouTube 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZwwxsNDeyQ

'Manthana' was his first directorial debut on Television in the form of a daily serial which was so loved by people and made Sethuram a household name. The story concerns with the life of a small family and the struggles of the ladies who follow a life of principles which is not the case with the males who cross their paths. The entire series can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcIDJpEFq4BXArODlAPy4aaXKsEgevIYW

'Anavarana' was his second venture on the Television again as a TV series. The entire series can be watched here:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcIDJpEFq4BUXeZ9fsVJGQWw8AzhOvQn5

'Dibanna' was his third venture on the Television in the form a TV serial. The entire series can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb-wgFk0spgknNbnXdmrdZltjVV2pxP5c

All three Kannada books - Navalla and Dahana - by S.N. Sethuram are for sale in this kit.

www.amazon.in/Sethuram-Special-Kit-set-Books/dp/B07G34YBR1/ref=sr_1_4?sr=8