Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Feb 19: Dr Sridhar Bhandary (73), a veteran Thenkutittu Yakshagana artiste, who was for long associated with Dharmasthala Yakshagana Mela, breathed his last on Friday, February 19.

Bhandary earned praise and recognition for the portrayal of young Yakshagana heroes. He was known for his electrifying, youthful and soulful performances. He was a resident of Bannur in the taluk.

Sridhar Bhandary had fallen ill a year ago but had recovered thereafter. He is survived by wife, Usha Bhandary, sons, D Anil and Devi Prakash, daughters, Kokila and Shantana, as well as grandchildren.

Bhandary had bagged a number of awards including Karnataka Rajyotsava award. He was fondly known for his blistering performances marked by pirouettes that were faster and longer than the other artistes. Because of his fast and enthusiastic movements on the stage, he was called a lightning artiste. Some of the immensely popular roles he portrayed were Babhruvahana, Ashwathama, Kusha and Bhargava.

At the age of 62, Bhandary had taken part in the 'Shabash India' programme of a private news channel. On that occasion, he had completed 148 pirouettes in three minutes. An American university had honoured him with an honorary doctorate in recognition of his services in the field of art.

Bhandary got attracted to Yakshagana from his grandfather. He was trained in Yakshagana methodically by Kuriya Vithal Shastry. He had served Subramanya Mela, Balambetttu Mela and Puttur Mela before joining Dharmasthala Mela where he served for 45 years as the leading artiste.