Leelavathi Baipadithaya, first professional female Yakshagana Bhagavata, passes away

Mangaluru: Renowned Yakshagana artist and recipient of the Karnataka Rajyotsava and Yakshagana Academy awards, Leelavathi Baipadithaya (78), passed away on Saturday evening at her residence in Bajpe, Talakala, due to age-related ailments.

Born on May 23, 1947, in Madhur, Kasaragod district, Kerala, Leelavathi was the wife of renowned Yakshagana himmela artist Harinarayana Baipadithaya. She grew up under the care of her uncle, Ramakrishna Bhat, after losing her father at a young age. Ramakrishna Bhat, a performer of Devanritya at Madhur Temple, played a significant role in shaping her early years.

Pioneer in Yakshagana

Leelavathi was celebrated as the first professional female bhagavata (lead singer and narrator) in the Tenku Tittu style of Yakshagana. She began her career performing with her husband in the Aruva Narayana Shetty’s troupe in Belthangady, gaining fame for her unique ability to sing and narrate Yakshagana verses. Over her illustrious career, she performed with prominent melas (troupes) in Kumble, Bappanadu, Subrahmanya, Dharmasthala, and Talakala, among others.

Her ability to blend classical Karnataka music, which she learned under Pitilu Padmanabha Saralaya, into the vibrant Yakshagana performances set her apart. Despite societal constraints that limited women’s participation in Yakshagana during her time, she broke barriers to become a trailblazer, inspiring many women to take up the art form.

Decades of Dedication

Leelavathi and her husband dedicated 20 years as professional Yakshagana artists and another 17 years as guest performers. She collaborated with several legends of the Yakshagana world, including Sheni Gopalakrishna Bhat, Kolyur Ramachandra Rao, and MPK Ramayya Rai, gaining invaluable experience and respect.

Her contributions extended beyond performances. She actively taught Yakshagana and classical music to aspiring artists, including a decade-long service at the famed Dharmasthala Yakshagana Training Center.

Recognition and Legacy

In recognition of her unparalleled contributions, Leelavathi was honored with the Karnataka Yakshagana Academy Award in 2010, the Senior Citizen Achiever Award in 2012, and the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2023. She also received the Alva’s Nudisiri Award and the Ullal Abbakka Award, among many others.

Leelavathi Baipadithaya’s life was a testament to her passion for Yakshagana. Her commitment to preserving the art, nurturing talent, and promoting women’s participation will continue to inspire generations.

Condolences have poured in from the Yakshagana community and art enthusiasts, mourning the loss of a cultural icon.