Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 23: The field of Yakshagana lost one of its most accomplished artistes, Gerukatte Gangaiah Shetty. Shetty, who had donned the role of demon Arunasura at the Yakshagana performance organized at Yekkar near here on the night of Wednesday March 22, collapsed on the dais when performing.

Although he was immediately taken to hospital, efforts made to save him went in vain.

Shetty, who was famous for excellent portrayal of the role of demon Mahishasura, had of late reduced his activities and rarely performed on stage.

Gerukatte Gangaiah Shetty, son of Ammu Shetty and Kamala couple, belonged to Gerukatte village near Guruvayanakere in Beltangady taluk. He was attracted towards Yakshagana at a very young age when he was in primary school. He later joined the Yakshagana training centre at Dharmasthala as a disciple of Padre Chandu.

Shetty joined Kateel Mela as an artiste, and in course of time, became well-versed with the nuances of Yakshagana art and management of Yakshangana troupes. He came to be known for his 'Bannada Veshas'. The role of 'Mahishasura' in 'Sri Devei Mahatme' made him extremely popular because of the unique steps he invented for this particular character. In addition to the encouragement he received from Bhagawat, Kuria Ganapathi Shastri, Chende and Maddale players too supported his magnificent performances through their expert support. Respected artistes like Bannada Kutyapu, Kunhanna Shetty and Kedagadi Guddappa Gowda helped Shetty in gaining more knowledge and grip on 'Bannada Veshas'.

Shetty, whose unstinting service to Kateel Goddess Durgaparameshwari Yakshagana Mandali lasting 48 years speaks volumes about his total dedication to this art form. His portrayal of villainous characters like Rudrabheema, Arunasura, Ravana, Myravana, Veerabhadra, Chandagopa, Shanaischara, Kaundleeka, among others brought him lot of fame. He breathed life into these characters through elaborate face painting, adjusting delivery of dialogues to suit the character he was playing, synchronization of moods like devotion and total dedication as per the demands of the occasion, dance steps which were measured and balanced, and keeping an eye on every detail. He grew in stature as a veteran artiste and was made the manager of Kateel third Mela.

Deviprasad Shetty, who happens to be in-charge of the Mela, and Dr Padmanabha Kamath, a well-known doctor and staunch supporter of Yakshagana art, looked after arrangements at KMC Hopsital here.

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