A grand puja and homa organized by the Kannada film industry on August 14 to uplift the industry from its current state of despair garnered both support and criticism. Doddanna justified the event by stating that it was done with good intentions and hoped that the critics would recognize the positive aspect of the initiative.
Key details of the event included:
- Priests from the Karavali region, including the renowned Prakash Ammannaya from Kaup, conducted the rituals.
- The preparation for the mega puja began the night before, with various pujas performed throughout half a day.
- The approximate costs of the rituals ranged from Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000.
Additionally, the design of the colorful mandala for the Ashlesha puja room took six hours to complete, following a strict protocol. Doddanna emphasized that while practical steps are necessary to address industry challenges, faith and divine intervention can also play a crucial role in times of crisis. He likened the film industry to a family seeking solace in religious ceremonies during difficult times.It is considered an obligation to attend when an artist invites you to their home for a puja. Therefore, when the industry gathers for a noble purpose, it is only appropriate to participate and show support. - Gurukiran, music director
