Prema Karanth (b. 1936)

Kannada director born in Bangalore. Brought up by grandparents in a small Karnataka village in Kolar District. Wrote stories and articles for children’s magazine, Chandamama. Wellknown director on Kannada stage noted particularly for children’s theatre (e.g. Kambhar’s Alibaba and the Forty Thieves, 1978). Studied at Benares University and graduated in direction at National School of Drama (1971), worked in Delhi-based theatre groups Yatrik and Dishantar, and in husband B.V. Karanth’s Benaka in Bangalore (1975). Did costumes for over 120 plays in English, Hindi and Kannada. Assisted Karnad and Karanth on Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane/ Godhuli (1977), G.V. Iyer on Kudre Motte, in which she also acted. Worked at the Adarsh Film Institute with Kasaravalli.

FILMOGRAPHY (* only act): 1977: Kudre Motte*; 1982: Amara Madhura Prema*; Phaniyamma; 1983: Simhasana*; 1985: The Jewel of Manipur: Part 1 (Doc); 1986: The Jewel of Manipur: Part 2 (Doc); 1988: Appiko (Doc); 1989: Nakkala Rajkumari; 1990: Sapne Huye Sakaar (Doc).

Director