T. P. Kailasam

Infobox Writer
name = T.P. Kailasam


caption = deletable image-caption
pseudonym =
birthdate = birth date|1884|7|29|mf=y
birthplace = Bangalore, Karnataka
deathdate = 1946
deathplace = Bangalore, Karnataka
occupation = Playwright, Geologist
nationality = India
period =
genre = Fiction
subject =
movement =
influences =
influenced =


website =

Thyagaraja Paramasiva Kailasam (Kannada : ತ್ಯಾಗರಾಜ ಪರಮಶಿವ ಕೈಲಾಸಂ ) (1884 - 1946), was a playwright and prominent writer of Kannada literature. His contribution to Kannada theatrical comedy earned him the title "Prahasana Prapitamaha", "the grand old man of humorous plays".

Early life

Kailasam was born in a Tamil family in southern Karnataka, India, and educated in England. On his return to Karnataka he worked to improve the literary scene there. His life was dedicated to local theater and his contributions revolutionised it. His application of humor to his plays left an everlasting impression on Kannadigas. He opposed the company theatre's obsession with mythology and stories of royalty and shied away from overloading his plays with music. Instead, he introduced simple, realistic sets. Kailasam chaired the Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held at Chennai, then called Madras, in 1945. His speech was short but effective.

Kailasam came from a family of scholars and professionals. His father was the eminent Justice Paramasiva Iyer. Kailasam had benefited from a good education in his youth and was sponsored by the Maharaja of Mysore to move on to higher studies in geology at London. Kailasam was enchanted with life in the United Kingdom and took the time to repeat several classes, one at a time, in order to have an excuse to extend his stay there. He spent a total of six years in school there, participating in theatre whenever possible, and then returned to India.

Soon after his return, he joined the government geology service. He took his work seriously and did well, but became unimpressed with life in a government job and quit. His father had had ambitious plans for Kailasam, hoping that he would become the Director General of the Geology Department. He was disappointed in his son and stopped talking to him. Kailasam barely noticed, as he had shed his former lifestyle and began living as a nocturnal bohemian, writing plays.

Kailasam was initially criticised for modern use of the Kannada language in his plays, but his work became popular and are considered among the best in Kannada theatre, legendary for their wit and satirical commentary on society, much of which is still relevant today.

So they say that kannadakke obbane kailasam, Hasyakke obbane Beechi;

Plays

Kannada

* Ankoolakobbanna
* Tollu gatti (1918) (Hollow Strong) - First Play.
* Poli Kitti (1920) (Vulgar Kitti) (later an award winning movie).
* KaLamna Iklu (1929)
* Olavina Kole (1929) (Murder of Love)
* Bahiskaara (Boycott)
* Nambaaysu (Our Boys)
* MommagaLa Muyyi (Revenge of the grand daughter)
* seekarne saavithri (Savitri's mango sauce)
* nam braahmanke (Our Brahminism)
* nam company (Our company)
* Harishchandrana Himsa
* Ammavara Ganda (Husband of the Mistress)
* Bandwalavillada Badai
* Huttadalli Hutta (An Anthill within an Anthill)
* Home Ruloo (Home Rule)
* Tavarekere (rare suspense theme)
* Saatu paatu (Saatu and Paatu)
* Sattavana santaapa (Dead man's mourning)
* Gandaskatri (Gandaskatri)
* Hendakudku Ratna (Yendakudka Ratna)
* Soole(the prostitute)

English

* The Brahmin’s Curse
* Purpose

External links

* [http://www.ourkarnataka.com/Articles/literature/kailasam1.htm Kailasam on OurKarnataka]
* [http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/07/29/stories/2005072903700400.htm Commemorative Article on "Hindu"]