Mangalore : The Kendra Sangeetha Nataka Academy has chosen Vidya Kolyur for the Ustad Bismilla Khan Award for the year 2011 in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Yakshagana.
Vidya who is the daughter of Yashoda and renowned Yakshagana artiste Dr Kolyur Ramachandra Rao, has followed her father’s footsteps in the field of Yakshagana and has won the heart of Yakshagana lovers through her effective portrayal of various Yakshagana female characters of Seethe, Dakshayini, Draupadi, Shoorpanakhi and also male characters like Krishna and Sudhanva.
She has given over 340 performances in 19 states and has recently been on a 70 day tour of America with her Yaksha Manjusha team which gave 15 performances and demonstrations.
The award includes a cash of Rs 25000 end a memento.