Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (KD/AF)

Udupi, Jun 6: The undivided Dakshina Kannada district lost a great artist, actor, dramatist, orator, director and founder of Ramakrishna Theatre Sheena Shetty, who died at the age of 101 years at his residence in Gundibail-Doddana Gudde near here on Tuesday June 5.

Shetty had won several awards as a wrestler and sportsman and was very close to Upendra Pai, Dr T M A Pai and T A Pai. A staunch follower of Gandhian philosophy even in his attire, he was also a member of Manipal Academy of General Education.

As an artist of extraordinary talent, he designed posters and cover pages for renowned Kannada writers’ books. Shetty has written several stage plays to fund various charitable institutions; he was famous for his short play productions and has taken part in many Yakshagana and stage dramas.

Shetty was honoured in recognition of his social work and contribution to the culture and stage performances by Manipal Academy, Rotary International and Syndicate Bank.

MLA Raghupathi Bhat, Manipal Academy vice-chancellor K K Pai, industrialist Manipal Ashok Pai and Kadiyali Temple chief Anantha Rama Upadhyaya paid homage to him.