Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Jan 14: Ramesh Gowda Belalu (32), who was well known for the role of lead character, 'Devi', in Kateel Yakshagana troupe's 'Devi Mahatme' episodes, died due to Malaria on Monday January 12 night in a private hospital in Mangaluru. His funeral was conducted near his home in Kudige Surali in Belalu village in the taluk on Tuesday. Ramesh, who had served Yakshagana art in various capacities, and had emerged as one of the brightest ever stars in this field, has left behind lacs of well-wishers, students, and fans.

Thousands had gathered at the funeral including Yajamana of Kateel troupe, Kalladi Deviprasad Shetty, Bhagawat, Patla Sathish Shetty, fellow artistes from Kateel Mela, and artistes of various other Yakshagana troupes.

Ramesh was third of the four sons and eight female children of the late Veerappa Gowda and Honnappa couple from Kudige Surali in Belalu village. He had practised Yakshagana steps under the guidance of Sabbanakody Krishna Bhat at the Yakshagana Kendra in Dharmasthala. He entered the field of Yakshagana through Dharmasthala troupe. During the 18 years he was in the field, he donned almost all kinds of roles including adventurous heroes, comedian, lady characters etc. He also served Suratkal, Mangaladevi, Yedaneeru, and Hosanagar Melas, before joining Kateel Yakshagana troupe nearly four years back.

Ramesh also operated a class in Koyyur for teaching dance steps. He was also active in Sri Manjunatheshwara Yakshagana Kalasangha in Belalu and Sri Sibrhamanyeshwara Yakshagana Sangha in Kolpady.