Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Bantwal, Mar 21: Renowned Tenku Tittu Yakshagana artiste, master performer, troupe leader, and versatile exponent of Yakshagana, Surikumeru Govinda Bhat (88), passed away due to age-related illness on Friday night at his elder son’s residence in Thirthahalli. He is survived by three sons.
Fondly known in the Yakshagana field as a ‘walking encyclopaedia’ and ‘Dashavatari’, Surikumeru K Govinda Bhat was regarded as one of the greatest artistes ever seen in Tenku Tittu Yakshagana. He was also a Yakshagana guru.
Having served the Yakshagana field for nearly 70 years, he was a leading artiste of the Dharmasthala Yakshagana troupe and created a record by touring with a single troupe for over 54 years. He had also performed with troupes from Mulki, Koodlu, Suratkal (Kelagina Marigudi), and Ira Somnatheshwara.
Among the many roles that brought him fame are Kaurava, Raktabeeja, Indrajitu, Magadha, Karna, Atikaya Narakasura, Tamraksha, Hiranyakashipu, Devendra, Arjuna, Hanuman, Bhishma, Bahubali, and Vishwamitra. Along with his rhythmic dialogue delivery, he was also highly skilled in dance. He received several honours including the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2008, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2016, Kannada Sahitya Parishat award, and the Karnataka Janapada Akademi Sadhana Award.
He had authored seven Yakshagana prasangas including Mani Mekhale, Kanaka Rekhe, Kaveri Mahatma, Mooruvare Vajragalu, Rajashekhara Vilasa, Mahaveera Samrat Ashoka, and Nahushendra. He had performed Yakshagana in Japan, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Dubai, and had the distinction of performing before the President in Delhi.
Known as ‘Dashavatari’
He earned the title ‘Dashavatari’ for his exceptional portrayal of a wide range of roles in Yakshagana. Serving as a guru at the Dharmasthala Yakshagana Centre, he trained numerous disciples. Excelling in literature and composition as well, he authored more than 15 Yakshagana prasangas.
He was proficient in acting, dance, and dialogue delivery, and played a key role in training young artistes and preserving the tradition. He also helped bring Yakshagana closer to the people.
He was adept at performing roles in both Tenku and Badagu Tittu styles with ease. In unavoidable situations, he also performed as a Bhagavata, chende player, and maddale player in the background. During times when there was no manager, he also took on the role of troupe manager.
A complete and versatile artiste, he effortlessly performed all kinds of roles including hero, villain, demon, female demon, comic, minister, and other character roles, earning him the reputation of a true all-rounder in the Yakshagana field.