Veteran Yakshagana background artiste Bokkasa Jagannath Rao passes away

Moodabidri: Stalwart Yakshagana background artiste Bokkasa Jagannath Rao breathed his last at 76 in a Mangalore hospital. Hailing from Nagarkatte, Moodbidire, Rao’s indelible imprint on the art form spanned over six decades.

Rao was not merely an artiste but a custodian of Yakshagana tradition. His partnership with artiste Ladi Krishna Shetty led to the establishment of Santosh Kala Arts, a hub for creative Yakshagana costumes right from intricate attire for dramatic enactments to Betala costumes and ornate marriage hall decorations.

Among his accolades was the distinction of fashioning the first-ever Dharmasthala Mela costume in collaboration with Kuriya Vithala Shastri’s association. His finesse in crafting beaded ornaments and costumes was unparalleled. He also served as a background artiste in Kumble Sundaraya’s Chauthi for numerous years.

Rao’s encyclopedic knowledge of Yakshagana-related events was awe-inspiring. His crowning achievement was singlehandedly adorning all the disguises of ‘Sridevi Mahatme’ in a remarkable feat.

Rao received many accolades for his contribution to the art of Yakshagana including recognition from Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy and Yakshagana Kalaranga.