Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Nov 1: Recipient of Parti Subba, Rajyotsava and other awards, Kadatoka Manjunath Bhagawat (85), who donned the role as the chief Bhagawat of Dharmasthala Yakshagana troupe for over 35 years during his service to Yakshagana form of art spanning around five decades, breathed his last at his residence at Kumbaramakki Haldipur in Honnavar taluk on Monday October 31. He was unwell since some time.

Kadatoka as he was fondly called, Manjunath Bhagawat was known for his deep and authoritative voice and unique style of singing. He commanded respect from his fellow artistes, and was able to direct any episode with aplomb. He had mastered both Badagu and Tenku Tittu styles of Bhagawatike. He is survived by wife, a son, and four daughters.

Bhagawat, who was born in 1926, was initially trained by Shambhu Bhagawat. He authored over 20 Yakshagana episodes. Some Yakshagana episodes rose to fame and became immensely popular because of the way he sang the Yakshagana verses. Besides serving some other troupes in addition to Dharmasthala, he also had worked as teacher before adopting Bhagawatike as full time profession.

Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Harshendra Kumar, Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swamiji, Prof M L Samaga, Kumble Sundar Rao and scores of others have mourned the death of Kadatoka.