Yakshagana artiste Bhandary dies at 73

Veteran Yakshagana artiste Puttur Sridhar Bhandary, who has long been associated with the Dharmasthala Yakshagana Mela, died on Friday, family sources said.

Mangaluru: Veteran Yakshagana artiste Puttur Sridhar Bhandary, who has long been associated with the Dharmasthala Yakshagana Mela, died on Friday, family sources said.

He was 73.

He is survived by wife, two sons and two daughters.

Bhandary had learnt Yakshaganaat the age of 12 and first made a stage appearance when he was 15.

He earned praise and recognition for the portrayal of young Yakshagana heroes and was known for his electrifying, youthful and soulful performances.

He was a resident of Bannur in Puttur taluk.

READ: HC rejects Cong plea against Gujarat civic poll schedule

Bhandary had won several honours including Karnataka Rajyotsava award and Yakshaganga academy award.

Some of the immensely popular roles he portrayed were Babhruvahana, Ashwathama, Kusha and Bhargava.

He had served in Subramanya Mela, Balambetttu Mela and Puttur Mela before joining Dharmasthala Mela where he served for 45 years as the leading artiste.

PTI