Moodabidri: Yakshagana artiste Venur Vamana Kumar dies in road accident

Moodabidri: A talented Yakshagana artiste Venur Vamans Kumar alias Vamana Devadiga (46) lost his life in a fatal road accident that occurred near Gantalkatte here on Thursday morning.

He was associated with the Hiriyadka Mela and was noted for his portrayal of female characters.

The accident occurred when he was returning home on his motorbike after completing a Yakshagana performance at Konki in Kundapura.

Influenced by Manohar Kumar, Venur Vaman had learnt the ropes of Yakshagana from Kargallu Visveswar Bhat in Dharamshala. Later, he joined the Dharmasthala Mela. He also performed with the  Kadri Mela for four years, the Mangaladevi Mela for 15 years, and Hiriyadka Mela for the past 9 years.

A versatile artiste, Vamana Kumar, who had been touring the Yakshagana landscape for 26 years, was known for playing any role — be it comedy, woman, man, or villain. His passing has left a huge void in the Yakshagana community.