Deeply anguished over the passing of 2 Yakshagana artistes in 15 days: Patla Sathish Shetty

Mangaluru: Well-known Bhagavata Patla Sathish Shetty of Patla Foundation, has expressed deep anguish over the passing away of two performers from Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Yakshagana Mela within 15 days.

Speaking to reporters, Patla Sathish Shetty said, “It is very sad… I hope this doesn’t happen. Two noted performers died within 15 days. This is unprecedented in the history of Kateel Melas.”

“In the past, veteran Yakshagana artistes like Shambhu Hegde, Geru Katte Gangaiah Shetty, and many others have died in a similar manner,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter which Mela…  All artistes should be careful and conscious about their health. The life of an artiste is not easy. Artistes face several pressures in life. It is my humble request that the pressures should also be reduced. If any artiste notices any health issue, they should check with a doctor immediately, he said to his fellow performers.

Further, he requested the government to pay attention to the artistes’ welfare.

For the unversed, Guruvappa Bayaru (58), an artiste of Kateel Mela, passed away on Thursday (December 22) night following a cardiac arrest during a performance on stage at Saraswathi Sadan in Kateel. On December 5, Achyuta Nayak (45), a resident of Kodange in Maninalkur village, and a chowki assistant of Kateel Fifth Mela, died of a heart attack.