Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Nov 8: Renowned Yakshagana chandovidwans (metrical scholar) Ganesh Kolekadi (53) passed away on November 7 at his residence in Athikaribettu village after a prolonged illness.

He was the only son of Krishnappa Poojary and Padmavathi. After completing his PUC education, he pursued advanced training under the famous chandassukara (metrical composer) the late Narayana Shetty, earning recognition as his distinguished disciple. Ganesh Kolekadi received several awards, including the Parthisubba Award.

About 18 years ago, while returning from a programme in Mumbai, he was seriously assaulted by robbers, following which he suffered various health complications. Despite undergoing treatment at several hospitals and showing brief signs of recovery, he was unable to regain his full health. In recent years, his admirers had been supporting his medical expenses.

His final rites will be held at his residence in Athikaribettu on November 8 at 10.30 am.

Ganesh Kolekadi’s versatility extended across various fields — as a Yakshagana poet, arthadhari (actor), maddalegar (drummer), veshadhari (performer), Yakshagana guru, playwright, keertanakara (composer of devotional songs), writer, and social worker.

A towering figure in Yakshagana literature, he contributed around 60 prasangas (episodes) to the art form. All his performances received immense appreciation. His Shridhama prasanga was successfully staged by the Edaneeru and Kateel troupes, while Samara Sougandhike saw hundreds of performances by both thittus (schools of Yakshagana).

His Rajakakatheeya and Nagavruja Kshetra Mahatme prasangas were performed numerous times by the Pavanje troupe, earning critical acclaim and lasting fame.