Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jul 15: One of the finest artistes the twin-districts have ever seen, Ramdas Samaga (84), a multi-faceted artiste who has carved out a niche for himself in Yakshagana and Harikatha fields, has lost his right leg to gangrene at this advanced age. Samaga is also well-known for his religious discourses.

On Sunday July 13, doctors at Manipal Kasturba Hospital amputated his right leg up to the knee, because of the gangrene which was posing the danger of spreading to the entire leg. Samaga, who is recuperating in the intensive care unit of the hospital, showed impressive recovery by Monday July 14.

Samaga was to participate in the Yakshagana Week proposed to be organized at Kinnigoli from July 20. The artiste already suffers from health complications like diabetes, blood pressure and heart-related ailments. He had suffered heart attack about eight years ago.

Samaga is known for his in-depth knowledge of Indian mythology, clear diction, intensive research and the ability to shine even in insignificant roles. His roles in Tulu yakshaganas too were well received by people because of his crystal clear language and dialogues which never flouted grammatical rules.

Samaga has won several awards including the Rajyotsava award and Janapada Academy award. He was the president of the first All India Yakshagana Sahitya Sammelan held at Udupi in October 2007. Samaga along with another great Yakshagana exponent the late Sheni Gopalakrishna Bhat, used to create magical and memorable moments on stage whenever they met, for the yakshagana fans and enriched their knowledge. Because of his advanced age, Ramdas Samaga used to participate only in Talamaddale in the last eight years.