Story of saint-composer Purandaradasa now on screens

Director Girish Nagaraja talks about the making of Haridasara Dinachari, a movie on the life of saint-composer Purandaradasa

“How do you evoke devotion while singing the ‘Devaranama’,” asks one of Purandaradasa’s disciples in the film Haridasara Dinachari. The saint explains, “Concentrate on the lyrics and understand them, feel the spirit before singing. Your devotion will parallel your melody. That is what is called singing to the Lord with fervour.”

If this line conveys a little of how Purandaradasa’s Bhakthi-laden musical exhortations were directed towards social reform, inclusivity and religious harmony, the film explains them in full measure.

Adelaide-based filmmaker Girish Nagaraja, born and brought up in Bengaluru, and the director of the Kannada film, Haridasara Dinachari released by Karigiri Films, addressed audiences at its launch, explaining the motivation behind his work.

“I have attempted a documentary-feature chronicling ‘a day in the life of the saint-composer Purandaradasa.’ It has generous voice-overs and songs, and can also be termed a short musical. Hope you enjoy these classical melodies that were actually a part of Purandaradasa’s daily routine,” said Girish, adding the subject was close to his heart ever since he was a teenager.

“Being a connoisseur of Kannada literature and devotional hymns, particularly Haridasa sahitya, this creation was not only a challenge as my first film, but also in convincing classical musician Vidyabhushana to play Purandaradasa. I am here for any questions after the movie.”

In November 2023, Girish watched a video of Vidyabhushana singing ‘Jagadhodharana’ with his friend Madhusudan Jayaram. “I was so moved by his rendition, I wanted to film him singing this. With my friend’s encouragement, I envisioned a cinematic story which had Purandara penning the song for Lord Krishna at Dodda Malur Temple, which is how the hymn originated in reality too.”

The film, Girish says, is crafted it as ‘a day in the life of Purandaradasa’ at Malur temple where he is said to have rested while on the way to visit his guru Vyasathirtharu who was then in Abburu near Dodda Malur. “Haridasara Dinachari depicts Purandara’s devout and musical lifestyle as well as his principles of life, spirituality and social justice.”