Mangalore: Yakshagana Artiste Kumble Sunder Rao Feted

Pics by Dayanada Kukkaje
News: TOI

Mangalore, Jan 20: There is an ardent need for establishing a full-fledged training centre for Yakshagana to ensure classical art status to the art form, said Karnataka Chithrakala Parishat former president D K Chowta here on Saturday.

Speaking at a function organized by Chowta Pratishthana to felicitate noted Yakshagana artiste Kumble Sunder Rao, Chowta said despite Yakshagana witnessing changes in the last 50 years, no serious efforts were made to get its due.

Citing the example of Kathakali, a similar type of art in Kerala, Chowta said: “Fifty years ago, both Yakshagana and Kathakali were treated on the same lines. But later, Kathakali achieved the status of classical art and made name at the international level. Art forms can receive patronage both from the Union government and Unesco if it gains classical art status.”

Referring to the training centre, Chowta said it should have certain yardstick for the art and the artistes. “Besides ensuring quality in singing, dialogues and acting, the trend of introducing new episodes should be controlled. We should know that despite achieving international recognition Kathakali, has not lost its sanctity as the art was being played on four traditional episodes even today,” he said.

Endowment commissioner T Sham Bhatt said Rao was an artiste who took Yakshagana to new dimensions. “His performances have created a new style popular as Kumble Style. He was a rare kind of artiste who had earned immense popularity. Moreover, this popularity also provided him an opportunity to represent the people in the state Assembly,” Bhatt said. He wished that Rao would become the first president of Yakshagana Academy when it comes to existence.

Cultural and entertainment programmes were held in connection with the event. Karnataka State Open University Vice-Chancellor B A Vivek Rai released a souvenir on the occasion.