Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jul 14: Sampaje Sheenappa Rai (78), who was a top notch artiste as far as portraying the roles of 'Kireeta' Veshas is concerned, breathed his last in a private hospital in the city on Tuesday July 13.

Rai had served Kateel Yakshagana Mela for 33 years. He also had been part of a number of other Yakshagana troupes. He was known for dignified and clear dialogue delivery that justifies the character he donned, Yakshagana steps which were as per the traditions of the art, and deep knowledge of the details of the Yakshagana episodes. In his real life, he was a simple and dignified personality who earned love and respect of the people around.

Rai, who was a native of Kallugundi, Sampaje, had started to live at Katipalla in the recent years. He was trained in Yakshagana dialogues by his father and learnt the dance steps from Master Keshava. He then was taught about make up by Kuttappa. He started his life as a Yakshagana artiste when he was 13. The roles which brought him name and fame were of Devendra, Karna, Arjun, Hiranyaksha, Daksha, Raktabeejasura, Indrajeeet, Kaundleeka, Shishupala, Kartaveerya, Arunasura, Bheema, Mahishasura, Veeramani, Shatrughna and some others.

He had won Karnataka Rajyotsava award in 2009 in recognition of his achievements and was bestowed the honorary award of Yakshagana Bayalata Academy in 2003. He also was felicitated and honoured more than 150 times.

BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel, ministers Kota Srinivas Poojary and S Angara, and many dignitaries have mourned his demise.