Mangalore: Ajekaru Kalabalaga – sponsored  current year “Yaksha – Raksha” annual award has been bagged by seasoned artiste Siddakatte Chennappa Shetty who has played several roles in Thenku – thittu melas like Dharmastala, Kateelu, Bappanadu, Kadri and a dozen Yakshagana teams, besides learning dancing styles under Badagu (North) Thittu (school) of Folk Arts in Udupi. He studied only upto lower primary standard. His dancing steps were watched by teachers like Kuriya Vittal Sastri and Padre Chandu. He is now part of Hosanagara Mela, but earlier he learnt the arts of Yaksha folk lore under the company of SN Samaga and Sheni Gopal Krishna Bhat, two greatest artistes in that category. He not only plays hero roles like Rama, Sudhanva and Nala but also villain’s roles as well.
From Yakshagana (interpretation and stage roles) he went to the pure form ‘Tala-maddale’ of discussions and arguments. In recent 20 years he has emerged as brilliant speaker in high demand in this Art form.
Chennappa is free from all evil habits, and friendly to all. He has a large group of admirers and has received many awards.
The present Yaksha-Raksha, award consists of Rs. 50,000 cash, mementoes, a citation and a shawl, along with flowers and fruits. He continually develops his personality by reading, consulting and observing other artistes. He is very popular in India and abroad, where he has travelled with his team.
The present award is given on Aug 28 at 3 pm at Kurla East in the auditorium of Bunts under the presidentship of Ikala Harish Shetty, chief of Mumbai Bunts Sanghs.