Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore (MB)

Mangalore, Jul 31: A long-time veteran of stage and stagecraft and an accomplished artiste, Gulvadi Gopinath Bhat (88), passed away on Sunday, July 30 at home in Car Street here, after a brief illness.

Also well known was his outfit of rental stage costumes, 'Gulvadi Arts', locted in Sharavu Ganapati temple road, which he founded way back in 1940.

'Gulvadi Mam'

Fondly known as 'Gulvadi Mam', Bhat also had acted in several plays and directed them. Most of them had themes based on mythology, history and religion.

His performance in the title role of "Bhishma", a play based on Mahabharat which was directed by him, was staged in many other centres of the state and it is being remembered even today. Equally remembered is his title role in the play "Chanakya" also directed by him.

Being a skilled tabla artiste also, he had the credit of having accompanied celebrity vocalists like Swami Parvatikar, S C R Bhat, Chidanand Nagarkar and others.

He began his teaching career in 1947 at Ganapati High School in the city, and later served until retirement at Anandashram High School, Someshwar and Ganapati High School.

Since 1975, he served actively in Saraswat Education Society as member, secretary, correspondent and between 1996 and 2004 as its president.

Over the years, he had been honoured by many institutions and organizations, like Konkani Cultural Association,  Shri Sharavu Temple, Mallika Kala Vrinda - Kadri and the like.

Bhat is survived by wife and a daughter. A condolence meeting over his sad demise will be held in Ganapati High School in the city on Monday, July 31.