K M Chaitanya pens a poignant tribute to Bhargavi Narayan

Filmmaker KM Chaitanya, who began his tryst with entertainment and showbiz with theatre, says that one of the most encouraging voices in his journey was that of late Bhargavi Narayan.
The veteran actress, writer and theatreperson, who was married to late Makeup Nani and has two more generations of actors, was battling age-related complications and breathed her last on Monday morning.
Chaitanya penned a beautiful note remembering Bhargavi, calling her one of the exemplary women in Kannada theatre.
"Bhargavi Narayan (Bhargavi aunty, to many of us) nurtured many of us in our growing years. One instance remains etched in my memory.
"As a student of Christ College, I had directed P Lankesh’s play, Sankranthi. It was our entry into an inter-college theater competition at National College, Jayanagar. Bhargavi madam was one of the judges of the competition. Our play was scheduled on the last day. In the middle of the performance, a cardboard pillar we had constructed as part of the set, tumbled down on stage. It had not been erected properly. Since it was a cardboard pillar, no one got injured. The young actors on stage were taken aback. But they regained their composure and continued performing. I was in the lights control cabin. I resigned myself to the fact that after such a disaster, our team would win nothing.
"When the awards were announced, we were all surprised. Our team stood in the first place. Speaking for the jury, Bhargavi madam said, 'Yes, it is true that the pillar fell. But the actors didn’t lose their concentration. They continued with the performance. A few scenes later, that pillar falling was almost inconsequential. It is to the professional attitude shown by this team that we have given them this prize.
"This is just one among many instances when Bhargavi madam’s support and encouragement fostered new talent. If not for her support in our growing years, many of us wouldn’t have found the confidence to do what we can today. She has departed today. But what she did to nurture talent and theatre, will remain forever."