5 days ago
Yakshagana artist Pathala Venkataramana Bhat passes away
Senior Yakshagana artist Pathala Venkataramana Bhat passed away at his residence in Uppinangady in Dakshina Kannada on Saturday.
He was 92, and is survived by four daughters and two sons.
A well-known 'stree veshadhari' of yesteryears, he had performed in Yakshagana melas of Dharmasthala, Kanchana, Soukuru, and Mulky. He joined Dharmasthala mela in 1963 and retired after performing for 18 years. Later he had settled in Uppinangady.
Bhat was popular as 'shilabalike' of Yakshagana, as he had mastered the Yakshagana 'natya'.
He was known for performing the roles of Mohini, Rambhe, Urwashi, Menake, Ambe, Poothani, Draupadi, Devi, Shoorpanakha, and other woman roles.
Bhat was the recipient of Karnataka Rajyotsava award, Karnataka Janapada Academy award, Yakshamangala award of Mangalore University, Deraje Seetharamaiah award, Malpe Shankaranarayana award, and Kuriya Vitala Shastri award.
His son, Ambaprasad Pathala, is also a noted 'stree veshadhari' of Yakshagana.
