06 November,2009 08:39 AM IST | | Chetan R
Film on engineer and statesman to throw light on little known aspects of his life
The legendary M Vishveshwaraiah is all set to be seen in action again - in a short film on his life that rolls out next week.
The film by director Guruprasad of 'Mata' fame unveils some rarely seen shots of MV, as the founder of modern Mysore is famously known. With the 60-minute film made for the Central Institute of Indian Languages documents, many interesting aspects of MV's life will become known to viewers.
"The short film is unique and a first of its kind, made after meticulous research for about a year-and-half," said Guruprasad. "This will unveil the unseen Vishveshwaraiah."
Exploring MV
The short film documents many interesting findings on the Bharat Ratna awardee and legendary engineer.u00a0
These include facts like MV being worshipped as a deity in houses in Mandya and Mysore, video clips of MV, and over 200 pictures that describe MV's 102 years, from his childhood to his days as the Diwan of Mysore and even the last day of his life.
The short film also showcases rare things related to Vishveshwaraiah's life.u00a0 These include an original copy of MV's passport, letters in his own handwriting, his horoscope, almost every newspaper report about him and original pamphlets mourning his death in 1962.
"Music director Anup Seelin has composed the music for the short film. We have used Indian instruments," said Guruprasad. "Many facts not known to people are being brought to light nearly 48 years after he passed away."
Small observations on MV, like his being a teetotaler and his food habits, are also made in the film. Interesting incidents such as the time when MV rejected brandy even when doctors advised it during his illness in London are documented.u00a0u00a0
Thorough research
The film is a result of meticulous research by the team, which travelled over 10,000 km for the purpose. The team went to many cities, including Mumbai, Poona, Hyderabad, Shimsha, Marikanve, Hiriyur, Belgaum and Dharwad.u00a0 "The work is comprehensive and throws light on parts of M Vishveshwaraiah's life that are not known to many," said S K Shankar Rao, a producer. "It will help people understand him better, especially youngsters, who know little about him."
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The team that has worked on the film also plans to bring out a coffee table book on the legend. "We have got very rare and unique photographs and documents on his life, which are not available anywhere else," added Guruprasad. "We will bring out a coffee table book, compiling all the pictures and other things, after the short film is done in another week. His life is an inspiration, as his qualities like habit of hard work and time management can not be found in many people."
