Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Oct 3: Yakshagana artistes Rakesh Rai Adka and Prashanth Shetty Nellyady who had decided to leave the stage after their 'lip-lock' controversy at a 'Natya Vaibhava' programme, have now changed their minds and assured Yakshagana lovers that they will continue to perform on stage.

Addressing a press meet here on Tuesday, October 3, Yakshagana artiste Patla Sathish Shetty said, "Following demand from thousands of Yakshagana lovers and senior artistes, both decided to change their earlier decision to leave the stage permanently. We are happy to hear that they will be back on stage, and that we are getting back our great young talents of Yakshagana. I personally thank them for their positive thinking. There is no doubt they will mesmerize the audience with their acting skills."

Recalling the controversial act, he said, "At a programme called 'Natya Vaibhava', both the artistes communicated with each other about shortage of time in a discreet manner. There was no lip-locking or kissing as alleged. It was a baseless controversy stirred by some people who are not aware about Yakshagana. They do not even have patience to watch Yakshagana completely. Instead of criticizing, they should come together and form general rules. Currently, there are many opinions about Yakshagana. Some troupes following the orthodox form of art, but some are adding their own innovations. Because of this, we cannot say which is right or wrong. Only the seniors can find a solution for these kinds of misunderstandings."

Senior artiste Divan Shivshankar Bhat said, "Such unwanted controversies bring sorrow to artistes. Constructive criticism is acceptable but if it turns personal and defamatory, it impacts the confidence of artistes. Rakesh Rai and Prashanth Shetty have also passed through the same situation. But by God's grace they have returned, and I think it will be good for Yakshagana."