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Yakshagana Literature Loses Master Mind: Ganesh Kolekadi Passes Away

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Posted on November 8, 2025

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Yakshagana Literature Loses Master Mind: Ganesh Kolekadi Passes Away

Mangaluru : The Yakshagana community is mourning the loss of a prolific figure, the renowned metrical scholar and artist Ganesh Kolekadi, who passed away at his Athikaribettu residence on November 7 at the age of 53. The scholar, who was the only son of Krishnappa Poojary and Padmavathi, pursued advanced studies after his PUC, becoming a celebrated disciple of the famous chandassukara, the late Narayana Shetty. His dedication to the art was recognized with several accolades, including the prestigious Parthisubba Award.

Ganesh Kolekadi’s legacy is defined by his extensive contributions across the spectrum of Yakshagana. He was a multi-talented individual, excelling as a poet, an arthadhari (actor), a maddalegar (drummer), a veshadhari (performer), a guru, a playwright, a keertanakara (devotional composer), a writer, and a social worker. His literary genius saw him compose around 60 prasangas (episodes), all of which garnered immense critical appreciation.

The scholar’s life and career were sadly shadowed by a brutal incident 18 years ago. While returning from a program in Mumbai, he was severely attacked by robbers, leading to lasting and varied health complications. Despite receiving treatment at numerous hospitals and exhibiting temporary signs of recovery, he was unable to fully regain his health. In recent years, his numerous admirers generously stepped in to support his ongoing medical expenses.

His dramatic works enjoyed notable success on the performance circuit. The Shridhama prasanga was a hit staged by both the Edaneeru and Kateel troupes, and his Samara Sougandhike was performed hundreds of times by both major thittus (schools of Yakshagana). Furthermore, acclaimed works like Rajakakatheeya and Nagavruja Kshetra Mahatme prasangas were repeatedly performed and celebrated by the Pavanje troupe. The final rites for Ganesh Kolekadi are scheduled to take place at his residence in Athikaribettu on the morning of November 8 at 10:30 am.