Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Oct 30: Keremane Mahabala Hegde, a rare Yakshagana artiste to have mastered every department of Yakshagana like dialogue delivery, Bhagavatike, action, authoritative steps etc., breathed his last at the residence of his son, R M Hegde, located at Alike in the taluk, at around 12.45 pm on Thursday October 29. He was 82. R M Hegde is a lecturer of Alike Sri Satyasai Lokaseva PU College.

Hegde used to live with his son, along with his wife, Mahadevi. He is survived by wife, a son, a daughter, Lalita, who lives in Bangalore, and innumerable fans and well-wishers.

Hegde, who had not studied beyond class IV, had excelled not only as a Yakshagana artiste, but also as the teacher of Yakshagana. After entering the Yakshagana field under the guidance of his uncle, Keremane Shivaram Hegde, at the age of 14 in the role of 'Vrishasena', Hegde did not look back in the 60 illustrious years he spent in serving the Yakshagana field. He came into contact with the late Dr Shivaram Karant, and strengthened his knowledge base by undertaking in-depth study of all the aspects of Yakshagana like body language, mythology, Yakshagana steps etc. He had also taken part in Yakshagana ballets introduced by Dr Karant and earned his appreciation. Dr Karant had written that Mahabala Hegde was the only artiste who can dance well and sing Yakshagana prose melodiously. This was a rare laurel coming from a strict master, who looked for perfection in every field.

After serving in Idagunji Sri Mahaganapati Yakshagana troupe for about 35 years, Hegde worked for Saligrama, Amriteshwari, Perdoor and Kamalashile Yakshagana troupes, before going back to Idagunji Mela, which was restarted by Keremane Shambhu Hegde. He could breathe life into any kind of roles, like valour, helplessness, tear-jerking, scheming, innocent, comic, etc. He had also practised Hindustani classical music and had worked as a music teacher. He was highly respected by his fellow artistes and discipline was the watch-word wherever he went, whether it is make up room, Yakshagana stage or any other programme.

He had won various awards like the central Music and Drama Akademi's award and special achievement award of Karnataka Janapada and Yakshagana Academy. He had been honoured with Deraje Award about two months ago.

Hegde had been away from Yakshagana since the last seven years, because of his advanced age. However, his disciples like Balkur Krishna Yaji, kanni Ganapati Bhat, Hadinabal Sripad Hegde etc., continue to carry his mantle.