Sullia: Veteran Yakshagana artiste Kadamallige fame Bellare Vishwanath Rai passed away on Wednesday, July 7.

Bellare Vishwanath Rai who used to perform in Kannada and Tulu Yakshagana was a companion of great minds like Mandechcha, Alika, Bolara, Samaga, Mijaru, Pulincha, etc. in the Karnataka Mela.

He has received the Alika Yakshanidhi, Bolara award, and Pulincha Ramaiah Shetty award for his achievement in the field of Yaksghagana.

Born in 1949 in Bellary, Vishwanath Rai took Yaksha Natyabhyas from Achuta Maniyani and entered the stage at the age of 9.

Vishwanath Rai, toured Karnataka Mela for 35 years, Madhur Mela for one year, Suratkal Mela for five years, Kadri Mela for two years, Bappanadu for one year, Kuntaru Mela for two years, Edanir Mela for one year and Kateelu Mela for three years.