RIP Girish Karnad: An actor who led India's first crowd-funded film

Today, Bollywood's veteran actor Girish Karnad passed away at the age of 81. The veteran actor died at his residence in Bengaluru early morning. A legend who inspired many actors with his tremendous works in Indian parallel cinema. 

Many of us don't know the fact that actor Girish Karnad played the main lead in India's first crowd-funded film Manthan which was directed by Shyam Benegal. This 1976 film was set up in the backdrop of India's White Revolution. Manthan also featured Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah and Amrish Puri.

This film was funded by around five lakh farmers contributing two rupees each.  If you want to witness India of '70s then you must watch this film. Manthan also won National award for best feature film and also for the best screenplay.

Manthan is one of the many notable works of the late veteran actor. Girish Karnad will always be remembered for his contribution to the development of Indian parallel cinema. May his soul rest in peace.