Mangaluru : Renowned Yakshagana artiste Kumble Sundar Rao died at his residence here Wednesday morning. He was 88. Rao is survived by wife, two sons and three daughters.

Rao, who was an exponent of ‘Thenkuthittu’ style of Yakshagana, had served as the president of the Karnataka State Yakshagana and Bayalata Academy. He was awarded Yakshamangala award from P Dayananda Pai and P Satish Pai Yakshagana Adhyayana Kendra at Mangalore University for the year 2018-2019.

Rao was also a member of the 10th Karnataka Legislative Assembly from Surathkal constituency from 1994 to 1999. He won the election on a BJP ticket. Rao’s body will be kept at his residence near Pumpwell in the city for people to pay their last respects.

The final rites will be held on Thursday, sources said. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai condoled the passing away of Kumble Sundar Rao. In a message, Bommai said Rao had served in Surathkal and Dharmasthala melas and was a household name for his sterling performance and involvement in the art.