Yakshagana Veteran Puttur Shridhar Rai Passes Away in Mangaluru

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Mangaluru: The Yakshagana art community mourns the loss of one of its respected veterans, Puttur Shridhar Rai (68), who passed away on December 14th after a brief illness. Shridhar Rai, a resident of Ira near Mudipu in Bantwal taluk, was a widely recognized and celebrated figure in the world of coastal Karnataka’s traditional art form. Throughout his illustrious career, he made significant contributions to Yakshagana, enriching the performances with his powerful and nuanced portrayals of complex characters. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Puttur Shridhar Rai was particularly renowned for his versatility, having performed a variety of challenging roles across multiple prominent Yakshagana troupes (Mela). He specialized in donning the Pundu Vesha (a type of heroic and sometimes antagonist role), Raj Vesha (Royal characters), and Banna Vesha (Colourful roles, often powerful demons or warriors). He was associated with several major Melas, including Kollur Mela, Sunkadakatte Mela, and Bhagavathi Mela, where his performances were highly acclaimed by art critics and enthusiasts alike. His demise marks the end of an era, and his extensive body of work will be remembered for its excellence and dedication to the cultural heritage of the region.