Bantwal: Noted Yakshagana artist Jayarama Acharya passes away at 67

Renowned Tenkutittu Yakshagana humorist Bantwal Jayarama Acharya passed away early Monday, October 21 morning due to a heart attack. He was 67.

Acharya was in Bengaluru to perform in a Yakshagana show when the tragic incident occurred.

Jayarama Acharya was part of a Yakshagana troupe led by senior artist Chandrashekhar Dharmasthala. The performance was scheduled to begin on October 21. Despite efforts by fellow performers to rush him to a hospital after he suffered a cardiac arrest, he could not be saved.

Born in 1957, Jayarama Acharya hailed from a family of artists. His father, Bantwal Ganapathi Acharya, was also a renowned humorist in Yakshagana performances. Growing up watching Talamaddale performances, Jayarama developed a passion for the art form, accompanying his father to various Yakshagana shows. Before formally training, he performed in several Yakshagana troupes, earning recognition early in his career.

Jayarama Acharya learned Yakshagana at the Lalitha Kala Kendra of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala under the guidance of Padre Chandu. Many of his fellow students during that time are now prominent artists in the field. Over the years, he performed with major troupes including the Katilu, Puttur, Sunkadakatte, Kadri, Kumble, Surathkal, Edaneeru, and Hosanagara troupes. Last year, he was part of the Hanumagiri troupe, and he was scheduled to join the Hiriyadka troupe this year as a lead humorist.

Jayarama Acharya received several awards, including the Dakshina Kannada Rajyotsava Award and the Yakshagana Academy Award. Just two days before his passing, he was announced as the recipient of the Kadabadyaya Samskruthi Award, which he was supposed to accept on October 27.

In addition to Yakshagana, Jayarama Acharya also acted in theater and films. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, and a son. His passing is a great loss to the Yakshagana community and the world of performing arts.