News: Edgar Cardoza
Pics: Suvarna Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jul 22: Legendary reviewer and Yakshagana artiste, Handady Subbanna Bhat (86) passed away at his home on Thursday July 21 of old age.

Born in 1930 at Handady gram, Brahmavar, he grew up to become senior cosmetic specialist and a reviewer as well. His father Krishna Bhat was an amateur artiste. He is survived by his wife and three sons.

While Yakshagana was his passion, he was also a well known teacher at the SMS High School. He also maintained a close association with the great artistes like Haradi Rama Ganiga, Matpady artists, Udupi Basava, Kolkebailu Sheena, Shriyaar Manju Nayak, Kokkarane Narasimha Kamath.

He was also a make-up artiste and a Maddale player (Uniquely designed drums used during Yakshagana play) in the team of legendary artiste Shivaram Karanth in 1962. In 1979 he undertook a trip to foreign land along with Martha Ashton and Prof BV Acharya and their team.

They have been an expertise in every category of Yakshagana and have brought out several books and have spread the awareness about Yakshagana. He has also been a famous reviewer and has been rewarded awards for his exceptional work.

Karnataka Yakshagana Bayalata Academy Prashasthi, Udupi Yakshagana Kalaranga’da bellihabba’da Prashasthi, Ajapur Karnataka Sangha’da Suvarna Prashasthi, Matpady Nandikeshwara Yakshagana Mandali Suvarna Mahothsava Suvarna Prashasthi, Gundmi Kalinga Naavdara Dashama Punyatithi Sanmana and many other felicitations were bestowed upon him.