Senior Yakshagana artist Hadinbal Shreepad Hegde no more

Honnavar: Veteran Yakshagana artist and clay idol maker Hadinbal Shreepad Hegde (67) died on the night of Thursday, December 3.

Two years ago, he had suffered an accident and had injured his head for which he was being treated at his home. On Thursday, as his health deteriorated he was rushed to a private hospital at Udupi. But he died without responding to treatment.

Hegde had spent his childhood in poverty and had to drop out of school for the same reason. He started working as a tailor at Hadinbal and during monsoons also repaired umbrellas.

Later, he got interested in Yakshagana and performed for the first time for the Gundabal Mela. He soon started earning praises for his performances.

He performed in several Melas and later became the permanent artist in the Karemane Mela.

He was the recipient of many awards including from the Yakshagana Academy.

After the accident, hundreds of his admirers provided financial support to him.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

Hegde’s funeral service will be held at 10 am on Friday at Hadinbal crematory.