State govt honors veteran Yakshagana artiste Aruva Koragappa Shetty with Janapada shri award

Team Udayavani, Dec 28, 2023, 8:54 AM IST

Bengaluru/Beltangadi: Aruva Koragappa Shetty, an esteemed artist of Tenkuthittu Yakshagana and a recipient of the state award, has been chosen for the prestigious 2022-23 Janapada shri Award by the Karnataka government.

The announcement was made by Minister Shivraj Thangadagi during a press conference held on December 27.

Koragappa Shetty born on November 28, 1940, as the eldest son of Subbaiah Shetty-Kanta is famously known as Aruvadavaru.

Shetty’s illustrious journey in the world of Yakshagana began when he joined Kateelu Mela at the age of 15. Over six decades, he has dedicatedly contributed to the art form and gained recognition for his roles, including Kaurava in Gadayuddha and Koti in Koti Chennai.

Having served in various melas, including Kateel, Kudlu, Kundavu, Kadri, Mangala Devi, Edaneeru, and Rangasthalavanli, Shetty has been a star artist in Karnataka Mela for three decades. Currently, he holds the position of Chief Artiste in Bappanadu Mela.

Shetty has not only excelled in Kannada Yakshagana episodes in Mangaladevi Mela and Karnataka Yakshagana Nataka Sabha but has also garnered attention in several Tulu episodes, playing lead roles.

His contributions have earned him prestigious awards such as the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Edaneeru Award, Ramavithala Award of Shri Pejavar Math, Manila Award, and Udupi Yakshagana Kalaranga Dr. BB Shetty Award.

In addition to his artistic accomplishments, Shetty has been actively involved in supporting fellow artists, providing assistance in marriage expenses, and offering scholarships through the Cultural Foundation.

Other Awardees Announced:

During the same announcement, awards for the years 2022-23 and 23-24 were disclosed. The Varnashilpi Venkatappa Award went to GLN Sinha, Basavaraja L. Jane Mahadevappa S received the Jakanachari award, and SP Jayannachar was honored with the Shilpi award. Alongside Aruva for the Folklore shri award, Kallappa Mirzapur, GP Jagadish, and Halage Durgamma were recognized for their contributions to Bhajans.