Mangaluru: Yakshagana artiste and Padma Shri awardee Chittani Ramachandra Hegde has been hospitalised in Manipal following an illness. He is the intensive care unit of the Kasturba Medical College and Hospital.

The 84-year-old artiste, who has been performing Yakshagana for over seven decades, was on stage in the Yakshaganas staged as part of Navaratri celebrations in Bangarmakki village between September 21 and 25.

He donned the role of the father of Bheeshma in a mythological Yakshagana staged on September 25 before becoming unwell following a bout of pneumonia. Mr. Hegde was admitted to the KMC Hospital on Friday.

His two sons, who are also Yakshangana artistes, are among the family members and well-wishers taking care of him in the hospital.