A five-day celebration titled SVR 50 will be held from October 23 to honor senior Kannada film director S. V. Rajendra Singh Babu, marking 50 years in direction. The Kannada film industry is organizing the event to felicitate him.
At a press conference announcing the event, senior directors Girish Kasaravalli, Nagathihalli Chandrashekar, P. Sheshadri, Nanjundegowda, Vijayalakshmi Singh, music composer Hamsalekha, producer Rockline Venkatesh, journalist Gangadhar Modaliyar, Lingadevaru, Kannada Film Directors’ Association president N. R. K. Vishwanath, editor Kemparaj, and organizer Krishnegowda were present.
It was noted that in Indian cinema, no other director has remained active for 50 years like Rajendra Singh Babu. Two of his films are ready for release. The SVR 50 celebration will begin with an inaugural ceremony on October 23 at Kalavidara Sangha, Chamarajpet. Over the next four days, a film festival of his national and state award-winning films will be held at the same venue, with two screenings per day. Dignitaries from Kannada and other film industries are expected to attend.
The closing ceremony will be held on October 27 at Ravindra Kalakshetra, where Rajendra Singh Babu will be felicitated. Before the event, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a fashion show with professional models performing to theme music from his popular songs will take place. The program will also feature the release of two books, including one by Gangadhar Modaliyar, and a documentary directed by Lingadevaru. Under Hamsalekha’s direction, his team will perform songs from Rajendra Singh Babu’s films. Chief Minister and other dignitaries are expected as guests.
Girish Kasaravalli highlighted Babu’s contributions beyond filmmaking, including establishing the Kannada Film Directors’ Association, leading the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, continuing programs like Belli Hejje, and organizing film festivals at Vidhana Soudha and Mysore Palace.
Hamsalekha, a close friend and admirer, recalled their collaboration on Mahakshatriya, where the song “Ee Bhoomi Bannada Buguri” became part of the Class 7 syllabus. He also noted that his organization honors achievers in Kannada cinema with gold medals; the first went to Shivarajkumar, and the second will be presented to Rajendra Singh Babu during this event. Hamsalekha’s team will perform Babu’s popular film songs during the celebration.
Dignitaries at the press conference also spoke about Rajendra Singh Babu’s lifelong contributions to Kannada cinema.