Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (MS)

Bantwal, Oct 21: Renowned Yakshagana artiste of the Tenkuthittu tradition, Jayarama Acharya (67), passed away due to cardiac arrest early on Monday, October 21, while in Bengaluru for a Yakshagana performance.

Jayarama had travelled to Bengaluru to participate in a Yakshagana programme scheduled for October 21, under the leadership of senior artiste Chandrashekhara Dharmasthala. It is reported that he suffered a cardiac arrest early Monday morning and was rushed to the hospital by his fellow artistes, but sadly, he passed away shortly thereafter.

Born in 1957, Jayarama Acharya was the son of Bantwal Ganapathy Acharya, a Yakshagana artiste who portrayed comedic roles in various troupes. Jayarama grew up watching Talamaddale performances and developed a keen interest in Yakshagana, often accompanying his father to the plays. He even served in some troupes before formally learning the dance.

Jayarama honed his Yakshagana dance skills under Padre Chandru at Shree Kshethra Dharmasthala Lalita Kalakendra, where he was classmates with many renowned artistes of that era. Over the years, he served in several Yakshagana melas, including Kateel, Puttur, Sunkadakatte, Kadri, Kumble, Suratkal, Edaneeru, Hosanagara, and more recently, Hanumagiri Mela. He was set to join the Hiriyadka Mela this year.

Jayarama Acharya was a recipient of numerous awards, including the Dakshina Kannada district Rajyotsava award and the Yakshagana Academy award. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter. Just two days ago, he was honoured with the Samskarana award of Kadabadwaya, which he was scheduled to receive on October 27. In addition to Yakshagana, Jayarama also acted in theater and cinema.