Udupi: Arate Manjunatha (73), who had created a benchmark in performing female characters in Yakshagana art, passed away in his Gavali home on Friday, Jan 30.
He was in ill-health for about 7 years. He is survived by wife, a son and two daughters. He had worn the paint at a tender age of 13 and began with comic roles in the Maranakatte troupe. He never looked back ever since and performed with various troupes like Kollur, Saligrama, Mandarti, Kamalashile, Keremane, Rajarajeshwari, Suratkal, Mulki and others.
His portrayal in the roles of Ambe, Shridevi, Chandramati, Subhadra, Mohini, Meenakshi, Damayanti, Shashiprabha, Dakshayani, Prabhavati and many others, besides male roles like Krishna and Ashwatthama have remained etched in the minds of art enthusiasts.
He was not only a skilled artiste but also an efficient organizer. He had graciously recognized the seniors’ contribution to the field but also encouraged and supported young and budding artistes. He had won state award, Janapada Academy award, Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Prof B V Acharya award from Yakshagana Kalaranga in Udupi, Nittoor Bojappa Suvarna award and many others.
