Veteran Yakshagana Artist Bare Keshava Bhat Passes Away at 84

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 26, 2025: Renowned Yakshagana Talamaddale arthadhari, Bare Keshava Bhat (84), passed away on Saturday due to age-related health issues at his residence in Sannayabailu, Ira village.

Keshava Bhat Passes Away

Born on October 30, 1941, in Bare village of Kairangala, Bantwal taluk, Keshava Bhat was the son of Bare Venkataramana Bhat and Gauri. After completing TCH training, he served as a teacher in Kairangala School, Shirankallu School and Adyanadka Janata Vidya Samsthe, retiring in 1999.

Keshava Bhat’s Yakshagana journey began with the role of ’Narada’ in the Kairangala Yakshagana Sangha. Though he never formally trained in dance, he performed iconic roles like Hiranyakashipu and Mayuradhwaja. While teaching at Adyanadka School, he actively participated in Talamaddale performances alongside Mulyala Krishna Bhat, cultivating a deep connection with the art form. Over the years, he collaborated with stalwarts like Sheni Gopalakrishna Bhat, Deraje Sitaramaiah, Malpe Vasudeva Samaga, and Ramadasa Samaga, delivering memorable interpretations of characters like Bahuka, Srirama, Atikaya, Vidura, Srikrishna, Dasharatha, Bhishma and Mayuradhwaja.

He was also part of Vasudeva Samaga’s “Samyama” team for several years. His contributions to Yakshagana earned him accolades like the Sheni Award, Deraje Award and Puttur Yakshanjaneya Award, among others.

He is survived by his wife, Durgaparameshwari; sons, Venkateshwara and Satyashankara; two daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

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