Yakshagana Legend 'Dashavatari' Bhat Dies at 88

Soorikumeru Govinda Bhat, a towering figure in Yakshagana famously known as 'Dashavatari', died on Friday at his residence in Thirthahalli. He was 88 and succumbed to an age-related illness. Bhat's artistic journey began at the age of 11 and spanned over seven decades, primarily focusing on the Thenkuthittu style of Yakshagana.

He was a disciple of the legendary Kuria Vittal Shastri and later honed his skills in Bharatanatyam, enhancing his Yakshagana performances. Bhat's versatility was widely appreciated, as he performed in both Thenkuthittu and Badagutittu styles, and toured extensively with the Dharmasthala mela for over fifty years. He excelled in a diverse range of roles, including female characters, heroes, villains, and comedic figures.

Beyond his performing career, Govinda Bhat was a dedicated guru, training hundreds of students and significantly contributing to the art form's perpetuation. He was also an accomplished author, penning several Yakshagana prasangas like 'Mani Mekhale' and 'Kanaka Rekhe'. His immense contributions were acknowledged with prestigious honours, including the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.