Renowned Yakshagana artist Gangadhara Puttur no more

Team Udayavani, May 2, 2024, 10:34 AM IST

Renowned Yakshagana artist Gangadhara Puttur, known for his long-standing contribution to Sri Kshetra Dharamsthal Mela, passed away at the age of 59 after he suffered a heart attack.

The incident occurred on May 1st (Wednesday) while Puttur was performing as Kukkittaya in the Dharmasthala Kshetra Mahatme Yakshagana held in Dandu Kota. Reports indicate that he suffered a heart attack while removing face paint in the chowki around 12:25 am.

Gangadhar Puttur was born in 1964 in Sediyapu of Puttur taluk, the son of Narayan Maiyya and Lakshmi. His journey as a Yakshagana artist began at the age of eighteen, where he quickly gained recognition for his versatile performances, excelling in portraying female, royal, and pundu roles. He was particularly known for his portrayal of characters like Malini, Chitrangade, Mohini, Dakshaini, Prameela, Sridevi, Sita, Devendra, and Dushyasa.