Mangaluru: Renowned actor and theatre personality Nana Patekar emphasized the role of theatre in questioning societal discord during his visit to St Aloysius College, Mangaluru. Inaugurating the 'Nehada Neyge' theatre program organized by Nirdiganta and Asthitva groups, Patekar underscored the importance of using the stage as a platform for expressing dissent and promoting awareness.

While distancing himself from any political affiliations, Patekar stressed the need for theatre to cleanse the political landscape and contribute positively to society. He urged fellow actor and Nirdiganta founder Prakash Raj to focus on creating plays that address social issues rather than getting involved in politics.

Highlighting the significance of teamwork in theatre, Patekar emphasized the importance of actors overcoming language barriers to portray diverse roles. He recounted his experience working on the film 'Nat Samrat' and how it inspired him to establish the 'Naam Foundation' to support farmers in need.

Addressing the audience, Patekar emphasized the importance of voting, condemning those who neglect this civic duty as traitors. He also reflected on the significance of religious harmony, reminiscing about the pleasant memories of hearing the Azan during his childhood.

Actor Prakash Raj discussed the growth of Nirdiganta over the past nine months, emphasizing its inclusivity and talent from across the country. The event commenced with a musical recitation of the song 'Haduva Mara' followed by a rendition of the Preamble to the Constitution.

Several dignitaries, including Vice Chancellor Dr. Praveen Martis, Dr. Sripad Bhat, Rev. Alvin Serrao, Chandrahas Ullal, and Christopher, attended the inauguration ceremony. The event drew a large crowd, including members of the public, who witnessed the opening ceremony at the college's open theatre. Subsequently, the play 'Bob Marley from Kodihalli' was staged at the LCRI auditorium.

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Bareilly (UP), Nov 24: Three people died when their car fell into the Ramganga river from a partially constructed bridge here on Sunday, police said, adding that they suspect the driver was misled by its navigation system into taking the unsafe route.

The accident occurred around 10 am on the Khalpur-Dataganj road when the victims were travelling from Bareilly to Dataganj in the Badaun district, they said.

"Earlier this year, floods had caused the front portion of the bridge to collapse into the river, but this change had not been updated in the system," Circle Officer Ashutosh Shivam said.

The driver was using a navigation system and did not realise that the bridge was unsafe, driving the car off the damaged section, the police said.

There were no safety barriers or warning signs on the approach to the damaged bridge, leading to the fatal accident, Shivam said.

Upon receiving information, police teams from Faridpur, Bareilly and Dataganj police station rushed to the spot. They recovered the vehicle and the bodies from the river, Shivam added.

The circle officer said that bodies had been sent for post-mortem. Further investigation into the matter is underway.