Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Jul 29: Renowned Yakshagana artiste Mundkur Krishna Shetty (80), affectionately known as 'Kutti' in Yakshagana circles, passed away on Tuesday, July 28. He is survived by his wife and two children.

A leading Pundu Vesha (dynamic young character) artiste of the Tenkutittu style, he was deeply influenced by the dance of Christian Babu, from whom he received his initial Yakshagana training. During a brief period of employment in Mumbai, he performed as an artiste with the Gurunarayana Krupaposhita Yakshagana Mandali.

Upon returning to his native place, Shetty dedicated approximately four and a half decades to the Yakshagana field. His illustrious touring career included 26 years with the Kateel mela, along with performances for the Kollur, Bappanadu, Madhur, and Talakala melas. He also performed with Badagutittu troupes such as Saligrama and Maranakatte.

He showcased his artistic brilliance bringing to life characters such as Abhimanyu, Babruvahana, Marthanda Teja, and Ashwatthama, performing to the himmela (background music) of legendary stalwarts like Ira Gopalakrishna Bhagavatha and Nidle Narasimha Bhat.

In recognition of his immense contribution to the art form, he was honoured with the 'Yakshagana Kalaranga Award' in 2022. Yakshagana Kalaranga president M Gangadhar Rao and secretary Murali Kadekar expressed their deep condolences over the demise of Krishna Shetty.