Veteran Yakshagana artiste Kumble Sridhar Rao is no more

Yakshagana has lost a stalwart with the demise of Kumbale Sridhar Rao, who passed away due to a heart attack on Friday, July 5. He dedicated six decades of his life to the Yakshagana art form, bringing life to many memorable characters.

Born in March 1949 in Kumble in Kasaragod district of Kerala, Sridhar Rao was the son of Mahalinga and Kaveri. Despite his family’s financial struggles, which limited his education to just the third grade, his passion for the arts was evident from an early age. Rao often said that his deep interest in the arts drove him to become an artist.

Rao’s Yakshagana journey began when he was noticed by Koraga Shetty of the Kundavu troupe (Ira). He received his first opportunity to perform in the play “Brahma Kapala” under the guidance of renowned Bhagavata Maravante Narasimha Das. He honed his acting skills under the tutelage of Kumble Chandrashekar and Kamalaksha from the same troupe.

Sridhar Rao’s love for Badaguthittu Yakshagana took him to the Udupi Yakshagana Centre, where he learned the intricate steps from proficient teachers. He also practiced Bharatanatyam to enhance his portrayal of female characters. His dedication to the art form was evident in his performances.

Rao’s illustrious career began with the Ira troupe and continued with the Kutyala Gopal Krishna Yakshagana Mandali in Kudlu, Mulki, and the Karnataka Melas, where he brought many characters to life. He spent over five decades with the Dharmasthala Mela, performing countless mythological roles that left a lasting impression on audiences.

Among his notable roles were Ammu Ballalthi from the Dharmasthala Kshetra Mahatme and Eshwara, which earned him widespread acclaim. Rao excelled in both male and female roles, such as Lakshmi, Subhadra, Dakshayini, Pramila, and Shashiprabha, captivating audiences with his skillful portrayals.

During his tenure with the Dharmasthala Mela, he shared the stage with renowned artists like Kumble Sundar Rao, Puttur Narayana Hegde, and Surikumeru Govinda Bhat. He also served as the lead artist for the Mahaganapati Yakshagana Mandali, Nidlele, touring Karnataka and other states.

Sridhar Rao was known for his close relationships with both senior and young artists, contributing to the Taala Maddale field as well. His distinctive style and clarity in speech made his performances memorable.

Rao’s success was also attributed to his attractive physical presence and expressive features. He often recalled the guidance he received from legends like Alake Ramayya Rai and Kolyuru Ramachandra Rai.

Sridhar Rao’s journey continued in Krishna Nagar near Uppinangady, where he resided. He is survived by his wife Sulochana and sons Ganesh Prasad, Krishna Prasad, and Devi Prasad. His passing marks a significant loss to the Yakshagana community.