Daijiworld Media Network - Bhatkal (SP)

Bhatkal, Jan 3: In a macabre accident which occurred near Gunavanthe Hakkalakeri in Honnavar taluk on the night of Wednesday January 2, two young Yakshagana artistes lost their lives together.

The artistes who were killed in this accident were Prasanna Acharya (23) from Mavinakurve here, and Dinesh Madivala (28), resident of Hennabail, Kundapur. Both the artistes were serving Saukoor Yakshagana Mela.

The duo was proceeding towards Murudeshwar from Honnavar, when a truck coming towards Honnavar hit their vehicle. Both of them were killed on the spot. Driver of the truck which caused the accident escaped from the accident scene. A case about the accident was registered in Manki police station.

Dinesh was younger among the two sons of the late Ravi Madivala and Saku Madivalthi couple from Hennabail, Kundapur. He studied till seventh standard, and was involved with Saukoor Yakshagana Mela since the last 14 hours. He is survived by elder brother, Satish Madivala and mother.

Dinesh belonged to a poor family and worked as coolie on days when he had holiday. He supported his family very much. For the Yakshagana Mela too he was of immense value as he was ever ready to don any kind of roles even though primarily he depicted female roles.

Because of the death of its two artistes, the Mela cancelled its Yakshagana performance on Wednesday night.