Sound and Light programme adds colour to Mysore Palace

Mysore, Karnataka Apr 29 (UNI) The world famous Mysore Palace, known for its splendour and rich heritage that attracts lakhs of tourists every year will be added with another attractive feature, the 'Sound and Light' show beginning soon.

The project estimated to cost Rs 1.4 crore was delayed due to some controversy but soon would become a reality.

The script written for the show by noted linguist Lingadevarau Halemane had kicked up lot of dust with Scion of Mysore Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar accusing the producers of putting the rulers in poor light. Though the programme was 'reworked' by the Department of Tourism, he was least impressed with the changes, which was made without consulting him or other experts.

Official sources of Mysore Palace Board told UNI that the Kannada script for the show Is ready, the objections raised with regard to the script had been sorted out and some additions had been made to present the rich past of the Mysore rulers in the 50 minute show.

The writers, film stars and some known personalities had lent their voices for narration of the script, it was being translated into Hindi and English and the translations would be ready in a fortnight, he added.

The official said that trial run of the show was under way at the palace premises. The project's executors were here to prepare for the launch, which had been postponed on several occasions.

It may be recalled here that the authorities had refrained from building even a wooden platfrom for the public as the concrete structure built earlier, had sparked protests as the palace was a heritage structure. Now seating arrangements for the visitors would be made on the lawns in the palace premises, the official added.

Even though the government had been preparing for the show, Mr Wadiyar had raised his objections and had written a letter to Chief Minister H D Kumraswamy, saying that the narrative was laden with mistakes while depicting the history of the palace.

He had urged the government to amend the text before launching the show.

UNI