Satish Shetty Patla - Accomplished Bhagavatha

Mangalore Today News Network

By Vishaya Rai

Mangaluru: At a time when youngsters are drifting away from traditional art forms like Yakshagana, here is a  rural talent who is making waves in the field of Bhagavathike and has earned accolades galore.

He is Patla Satish Shetty  who has emerged a successful Yakshagana Bhagavatha in Tenkutittu style over the past 15 years. Hailing from a village called Hogenadu in Bantwal taluk, Satish  was born to Patla Mahabala Shetty and Lalitha Shetty couple. Satish developed a keen interest in Yakshagana while pursuing his Pre-University course and learnt Yakshagana Bhagavathike, Chende and Maddale from the veteran artiste Mambadi Subrahmanya. Seemanthur Narayana Shetty tutored him in Yakshagana Chandassu while  Satish learnt Carnatic music from Roshan Kumar.

A part of the Shree Durga Parameshwari Dashavathara Yakshagana Mandali of Sri Kshetra Kateel since 15  years, Satish is the Chief Bhagavatha of the 5th Mela of Kateel. Known for his melodious voice and tone  Patla Satish Shetty  has won innumerous admirers whom he has mesmerized by  his sterling performances. His inimitable voice which is melodious and  has great depth  has left Yakshagana lovers spell bound.  Many of his fans just wouldn’t mind travelling long  distance to hear their favourite artiste’s Yakshagana Bhagavathike.

Patla who has earned  several titles like Yuva Bhagavatha, Gaana Mandara, Gaana Gandharva, Gaana Kogile, has till date over 500 awards to his credit. The latest award to his kitty is the Kaalinga Navada Award presented on behalf of the Sanskritika mattu Janapada Adyayana Kendra Trust, Shringeri.

Name and fame has never deviated Satish from his single minded goal of pursuing Bhagavathike with great zeal, but has  made him much more determined.

He has travelled extensively and has been part of Yakshagana shows presented in various parts of the nation but also overseas including US, Singapore, Dubai, Kuwait and  Muscat

Presently he is on a London tour as part of Yaksha Manjusha Team.