Udupi : Handadi Balakrishna Nayak (76), the founder of Shri Gajanan Yakshagana Makeup and Costume Institute and a veteran makeup artist of Badagutittu, passed away today (July 4, 2024) at KMC Hospital, Manipal, after a brief illness.

Balakrishna Nayak, along with H Subbanna Bhat and Indu Nayak, initially provided makeup and costume services for various organizations before establishing his own institute. Known for his exceptional artistic talent and humble nature, Nayak became indispensable to all the organizations he worked with. He was a master in preparing crowns and costumes for Badagutittu Yakshagana.

Nayak was celebrated for preparing traditional Badagutittu costumes for hundreds of people both in India and abroad. Notably, his three sons have also joined this field, continuing the family’s legacy. Recognizing his artistic contributions, he was honored by the Karnataka Yakshagana Academy, Yakshagana Kalaranga, and at the first Yakshagana conference held in Udupi last year.

Balakrishna Nayak made significant contributions to the success of the Yaksha Shikshana campaign in Udupi. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and numerous admirers. Yashpal Suvarna, the president of Yaksha Shikshana Trust and MLA of Udupi, along with founding trustee K Raghupati Bhat, secretary Murali Kadekar, M Gangadhar Rao, president of Yakshagana Kalaranga, and Padmanabha Ganiga, president of Ajpura Yakshagana Mandali, Brahmavar, have expressed their deep condolences.

The funeral rites will be held on Friday, July 5 at 10 AM in Brahmavar.