Mangaluru (The Hindu): Kannada University at Hampi has decided to set up Dr. Rajkumar Study Centre in Bengaluru and develop it as an institution of excellence on cinema and theatre.

According to Mallika S. Ghanti, Vice-Chancellor of the university, the government has identified 5 acres of land near Kempegowda International Airport for the centre but is yet to transfer it to the university.

Kannada University, which has been studying popular culture as part of academic discipline, has a Nadoja Dr. Rajkumar Adhyayana Peetha and is conducting various academic activities pertaining to cinema studies there. It has brought out two volumes on the history of Kannada cinema.

“But Dr. Rajkumar Chair in the university has not done anything substantial except holding two programmes a year. The Bengaluru centre is planning to offer courses in theatre, cinema and small screen on the lines of the National School of Drama in Delhi and the National Film and Television Institute in Pune. Apart from these, there will be courses in fine arts and journalism,” Ms. Ghanti explained, and added that the centre would have a state-of-the-art auditorium and a museum representing the culture and heritage of cinema and theatre, especially professional theatre.

Ms. Ghanti had earlier sought funds to an extent of Rs. 10 crore to Rs. 15 crore for the purpose. “We are also planning to seek support of Dr. Rajkumar’s family, Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, and Karnataka Nataka Academy in developing this institution,” she said.