Latest news with #Yakshagana
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Chikka Melas' of Yakshagana to launch their 2025 rainy season tour on June 5
The Chikka Melas of the Tenkuthittu school of Yakshagana will commence their 2025 rainy season tour on June 5, according to Sarapady Ashok Shetty, president of the Tenkutittu Chikka Melagala Okkuta. Addressing the media here on Tuesday, Mr. Shetty said that 50 to 60 melas embark on the tour, which will conclude by Deepavali. They perform for about 20 minutes at select houses between 5.30 p.m. and 10.30 p.m., and each mela comprises a five-member team, including two mummela artists and two himmela artists. This season's tour will be launched by performing 'Gejje Muhurtha' and presenting a show at the Talakala Kashi Sri Vishwanatha temple on Thursday, he said. The artists formed the Okkuta (federation) two years ago to have unity and discipline in performances and conduct. The artists take out the tour through Chikka Melas to earn their livelihood during the rainy season, as daily Yakshagana 'bayalata' performances of the Yakshagana melas, which begin in November and December every year, end in May.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Balancing tradition and modernity, Yakshagana faces new challenges
Udupi: The classical art form of Yakshagana, once preserved and nurtured mainly by traditional artists with deep devotion, is now seeing a positive transformation with professionals such as doctors, engineers, and teachers—many highly educated—joining its fold. This development was welcomed by experts but has also raised concerns about the art form moving beyond its traditional boundaries. Dr. Talluru Shivaram Shetty, President of the Karnataka Yakshagana Academy, emphasized that amid this transitional phase, it is the responsibility of Yakshagana artists to safeguard the dignity and heritage of the art. He spoke at a special gathering of Yakshagana artists held on Saturday at the Udupi Yakshagana Kalarang on the occasion of the institution's golden jubilee celebrations. The event was organized in collaboration with the Karnataka Yakshagana Academy, Bengaluru. Dr. Shetty highlighted the academy's ongoing efforts to promote Yakshagana not only along the coastal region but across various districts in Karnataka, other states, and even internationally. He pointed out that the academy can only address artists' demands if they remain within the accepted framework of Yakshagana. He urged artists to recognize that the academy has introduced a policy to award senior, retired, or physically challenged artists without requiring formal applications. This initiative has already been implemented in two recent award ceremonies where the academy proactively identified and honoured deserving artists. 'Our mission is the holistic welfare and growth of Yakshagana artists. For this, the cooperation and constructive feedback from the artists themselves are crucial,' Dr. Shetty stated. He also lauded the Udupi Yakshagana Kalarang for its dedicated work in the field and its efforts to support financially weaker artists, including providing housing assistance. He singled out the Kalarang's secretary, Murali Kadekar, for his selfless service, expressing hope that the institution would grow further and continue its support to the Yakshagana community. Speaking at the event, entrepreneur Gopal C. Bogere praised the academy's recent initiatives under Dr. Shetty's leadership. He noted the judicious use of government grants for meaningful activities such as children's Yakshagana programs, training camps, and cultural dialogues. The event was attended by prominent personalities, including M. Gogadhara Rao (President, Yakshagana Kalarang), Murali Kadekar (Secretary), Vice Presidents S.V. Bhat, Prof. Sadashiva Rao, Narayana M. Hegde, and V.G. Shetty. The academy's Registrar, Namratha N. welcomed the gathering, and member Satish Adapa proposed the vote of thanks. The formal proceedings were followed by a stirring Yakshagana performance titled 'Seethapaharanam – Jatayuvadha' by the troupe from Madhava Matru Gramam Koodiyattam Gurukulam, Thrissur, Kerala. The day concluded with a panel discussion on the theme 'Should Art be a Full-Time Profession or a Part-Time Vocation?' The program also featured a free medical check-up for artists, organised by KMC Manipal.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Veera Chandrahasa' OTT release: When and where to watch the Kannada mythological drama
Ravi Basrur's much-anticipated Kannada film 'Veera Chandrahasa' has finally made its OTT debut. Released theatrically on April 18, 2025, the mythological action drama impressed audiences in Karnataka, delivering solid box office results and positive word-of-mouth. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Without much prior announcement, the film quietly began streaming on Amazon Prime Video from May 31, 2025, allowing audiences to experience its grand storytelling from the comfort of their homes. Chandrahasa's fascinating story 'Veera Chandrahasa' tells the fascinating and inspiring story of a boy named Chandrahasa. Abandoned in the forest as an infant, he is found by Kulinda, a nobleman from Kuntala, who raises the child with love and care. Chandrahasa, named for his radiant smile, grows up to be a virtuous and kind-hearted young man. However, his journey is far from easy — dark forces constantly scheme against him, plotting his downfall. Yet, with unwavering faith and the power of virtue, Chandrahasa overcomes every obstacle, each time turning his enemies' schemes against them. The film beautifully portrays his life as one shaped by divine protection, making it not just a story of survival, but a moving tribute to resilience, virtue, and destiny. A peek into the making of KGF starring Yash in the lead Talented Cast The film features a talented ensemble led by Shithil Shetty in the title role, with strong performances by Nagashree G S, Prasanna Shettigar Mandarti, and Uday Kadabaal. The supporting cast includes Ravindra Devadiga, Nagaraj Servegar, Gunashree M Nayak, Shridhar Kasarkodu, Shwetha Arehole, and Prajwal Kinnal. Our verdict We gave the movie a rating of 3 stars out of 5 and our official review read, 'The film feels as though you are watching a Yakshagana play that has added the best cinematic touch with vibrant colours and camera. In Yakshagana, besides Chande, Maddale, costumes, the kunitha is also equally important. One of the highlights of Yakshagana, the Kunitha (Dance of Yakshagana), has taken a backseat in the film. Also, the film is strictly for those who want to know more about the world of Yakshagana. If the art form is not of your interest, the film may evoke mixed feelings.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Patla Foundation an example of success, says Edneer pontiff
Mangaluru: Edneer Mutt pontiff Sri Sachidananda Bharati Swami said Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation is an example of what an organisation can achieve for society in a decade. He was speaking at the Yakshadhruva Patla Decennial Celebration 2025 and National Art Conference held under the auspices of the Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation Trust at Adyar Garden on Sunday. "It is a magical surprise for all art lovers. This was made possible by the trust's founder president Patla Satish Shetty. The trust provides healthcare to artistes from various fields in the district, homes for shelter to poor artistes, and support, which is a matter of pride. The decennial celebration is happening today with innovative and unique programmes, fostering social harmony. I extend special congratulations to the trust officials and donors on this occasion," the Pontiff said. The Yaksha Dhruva Maha Poshaka Award 2025 was presented to the Federation of World Bunts Associations president, Aikala Harish Shetty and his wife Chandrika Harish Shetty on the occasion. Accepting the honour, Aikala Harish Shetty said, "Patla Satish Shetty is a great devotee of Kateel Durgaparameshwari. We see Yakshagana artistes working for six months a year and struggling for a livelihood in the remaining six months. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wärmepumpe 2025: Technikwunder stellt den Heizungsmarkt auf den Kopf thermondo Undo Patla Foundation was established to support such artists and has helped thousands. I will be with this organisation for life. The love behind the honour is what matters. May all religions coexist peacefully in Tulunadu. Patla is a force, and I urge the youth to come forward to strengthen it." K Prakash Shetty, CMD of MRG Group, said, "For Patla Satish Shetty, his voice is his god, but for Yakshagana artistes, he is their god. Yakshagana artistes entertain people despite their hardships and never beg before anyone." G Shankar Family Trust founder G Shankar said, "For the past 10 years, Patla Foundation Trust has been doing commendable work. The current generation does not have much interest in Yakshagana art, but Patla's achievements have brought Yakshagana closer to young minds. Our trust in Udupi will also join hands with Patla. This is a good initiative. When everyone works together with Patla, the lives of artistes will flourish. " Patla Satish Shetty said in his keynote address that the Patla Foundation can serve society more effectively, which is possible only with everyone's unity. Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation honorary president Kanyana Sadashiva Shetty, and Decennial Celebration president Baroda Shashidhar Shetty, among others, were present.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Yakshagana Kalaranga of Udupi honours 50 artists above 70 years with Suvarna Puraskar
Chairman of Karnataka Yakshagana Academy Talluru Shivarama Shetty on Saturday asked Yakshagana artists to ensure that there were no aberrations in the performances. The artists should uphold the tradition of the art form, he said. He was addressing the artists at a programme organised by Yakshagana Kalaranga of Udupi to felicitate 50 Yakshagana artists who were aged above 70, on the occasion of the Kalaranga celebrating its golden jubilee. Mr. Shetty said that the academy has been receiving letters from Yakshagana fans that the academy should intervene as the trend of many artists deviating from the tradition, especially by going out of context in the delivery of dialogues, is increasing. Yakshagana's tradition should be maintained within its framework. The chairman said that artists have the responsibility of saving Yakshagana in its true form and pass on the tradition to future generations. The Kalaranga honoured each of the 50 senior artists with its Yakshagana Kalaranga Suvarna Puraskar with a purse of ₹50,000 to each. At a session on the topic 'Whether Yakshagana should continue as a full-time profession or a part-time job' organised on the occasion, senior Yakshagana artist Kondadakuli Ramachandra Hegde said that none can stop amateur and part-time performers from performing in Yakshagana. Many debates held on the topic at various platforms earlier did not arrive at any conclusion, Mr. Hegde said. He said that a day might come when there may not be any full-time performers. Another senior artiste Permude Jayaprakash Shetty said that part-time performers can not do justice to the art form in its true sense. If Yakshagana is to sustain in its true form an artist will have to be a full-time performer, he said. Artists of Madhava Matru Gramam Koodiyattam Gurukulam, Thrissur, Kerala presented a Koodiyattam show. Kasturba Medical College, Manipal conducted a free health check up for Yakshagana artists. Seer of Puthige Mutt Sugunendra Tirtha, seer of Pejawar Mutt Vishwaprasanna Tirtha, Yashpal Suvarna, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, MLAs, secretary of the Kalaranga Murali Kadekar and president of the Kalaranga M. Gangadhar Rao participated.
