Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS/VA)

Mangalore, Nov 11: The 73rd birth anniversary of Yakshagana doyen late Keremane Shambhu Hegde was observed at Town Hall here on Wednesday November 9.

Harshendra Kumar, Shree Kshetra Dharmastala, president of Dharmastala Manjunatha Krupaposhitha Yakshagana Mandali inaugurated the programme and said that Keremane was known for his involvement while performing any role.

He noted that life of artistes is not easy as seen by audience when they see the artistes with different role in the stage. Late Keremane Shambhu Hegde had many fans and successfully managed the Mela, he noted.

In his blessing speech Sri Keshavananda Bharathi Swamiji of Shree Edaneer Mutt said that Keremane Shambhu Hegde was the down to earth yakshagana artiste who trained many artistes and motivated them.

Prof Malpe Laxminarayana Samaga, president of Karnataka Yakshagana Bayalata Academy, Bangalore was congratulated on the occasion by past president renowned Yakshagana artiste Kumble Sunder Rao.

DK district Kannada Sahithya Parishad president Pradeep Kumar Kalkura presided.

On the occasion women role yakshagana artistes who used accompany Keremane Shambhu Hegde in his male role, Kokkada Eshwara Bhat and Pundareekaksha Upadyaya were felicitated. Harikrishna Punaroor, former president, Kannada Sahithya Parishad, Nebburu Narayana Bhagavatha, scholar G S Bhatta Sagara, S M Hegde, Rathnakar Jain were the chief guests.

H Janardhan Hande welcomed and delivered key note address. He highlighted the worth of organizing birth anniversary of Keremane Shambhu Hegde, he noted that through this many challenges in the field can be brought for discussion as many yakshagana fans come together.

Later Gadhayuddha yakshagana prasanga was staged. Prasanna Hegde, Sharada Hegde were also present.