Remembering Shankar Nag: A Timeless Visionary Through Personal Stories
In a heartfelt conversation that felt like stepping back in time, actor-theatre personality Prakash Belawadi and actor Master Manjunath gathered to reminisce about the late Shankar Nag. Rather than focusing on his legendary status, they shared personal anecdotes about the man they knew intimately, painting a vivid picture of his character during a recent Blr Hub ba event.
Prakash Belawadi's First Encounter and Spiritual Insights
Prakash Belawadi recalled his initial interaction with Shankar Nag during the shoot of Nodiswamy Naavu Iruvudu Hege, where he approached him to work as a lighting engineer for the play. "That was my introduction to him," he said, emphasizing that this meeting marked the beginning of their professional relationship.
Belawadi revealed a lesser-known aspect of Shankar Nag's personality: his deep spirituality. He described how Nag performed rituals to the Naga Devathe at his farm with complete faith and sincerity, showcasing a side of him that went beyond his public image as a filmmaker and actor.
Reflecting on Malgudi Days, Belawadi fondly remembered that it was first shot on celluloid, highlighting Nag's adventurous spirit. "He was adventurous, always wanting to try something new," he noted, pointing to Nag's innovative approach to storytelling.
Shankar Nag's Visionary Ideas for Bengaluru
One of the most striking revelations from the conversation was Shankar Nag's foresight regarding urban infrastructure. As early as 1986, after returning from London with newspapers filled with stories about metro systems, he envisioned an underground metro network for Bengaluru. This visionary idea would have cost approximately ₹1,800 crore if implemented at that time, demonstrating his forward-thinking mindset decades before the city's current metro system took shape.
Master Manjunath's Personal Bond with Shankar Nag
For Master Manjunath, the memories were even more personal, dating back to when he first met Shankar Nag at the age of three. By the time they collaborated on Malgudi Days, Nag had transformed from a director into an older friend. "Age never mattered to him. He made me feel like I belonged," Manjunath shared, underscoring Nag's inclusive and nurturing nature.
Manjunath laughed as he recounted a humorous incident where Shankar Nag arrived on a Luna moped for a shoot, leaving people suspicious that there must be a hidden camera somewhere. This anecdote illustrated Nag's down-to-earth and unassuming demeanor, even in professional settings.
The Effortless and Fearless Filmmaking Style
Shooting with Shankar Nag was described as effortless and almost informal by Manjunath. He would casually walk into strangers' homes, saying, "Five minutes, I'll finish off. Wait maadi," though these five minutes often extended to half a day without any complaints from tenants or residents.
Nag's fearless approach extended to various aspects of production:
- Changing costumes in public spaces without hesitation
- Shooting at prestigious locations like the High Court and Vidhana Soudha as casually as knocking on someone's door
- Even enjoying masala dosa inside the MTR kitchen during shoots
"He was never embarrassed to ask for food, or help, or space," Manjunath said, adding that Nag never believed in 'not possible'. If something needed to be done, he always found a way, embodying a street-smart and resourceful attitude.
A Legacy of Timeless Innovation
Both Prakash Belawadi and Master Manjunath agreed that Shankar Nag was not merely ahead of his time but truly timeless. His simplicity, fearlessness, and endless vision—particularly in rigs, setups, and creative ideas—left an indelible mark on those who worked with him. The conversation concluded with a shared appreciation for how relevant Shankar Nag's work and ethos remain today, inspiring new generations in the entertainment industry.
