Chittani Ramachandra Hegde

Chittani Ramachandra Hegde is a Yakshagana artist from Honnavara, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka. He was awarded with Padmashri award,[1] first such award to any Yakshagana artist, by Government of India.

He is much famed for 'kaurava','dustabuddi' 'Bhasmasura','keechaka','maghada','karna','rudrakopa' 'kamsa' roles in Yakshagana performance and his style is popularly known as CHITTANI STYLE.

Shri Chittani Ramachandra Hegde (ಶ್ರೀ ಚಿಟ್ಟಾಣಿ ರಾಮಚಂದ್ರ ಹೆಗಡೆ )

Hailed as a living legend of Yakshagana, Chittani Ramachandra Hegde is the first Yakshagana artist to win the prestigious Padmashri award before winning several awards in Karnataka. His style is so popular that it was called Chittani Gharana.

He started his Yakshagana career when he was just 7 years old, after dropping out of School when he was still studying in II Standard. He started performing in main roles when he was just 14 years old and and still performs on stage even though he is 82 now. He hails from Uttara Kannada district and is popularly known as Chittani among his huge fan-base.

Early life

Chittani Ramachandra Hegde was born and brought up in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. He practiced badaguthittu style of Yakshagana.[2]

In spite of stiff resistance from family members, he started giving Yakshagana performances at the age of 15 and still continues to act at the age of 83.[3]

Yakshagana performances

Chittani perfected the Yakshagana performance to such a level, where he is considered as "a finest example of what one could achieve in life with hard work and achievements."[4]Chittani has been considered one of the top yakshagana artists in India and he has performed yakshagana all over india and abroad.

He is a living legend of the art. Even today he performs on stage better than any younger artist. The ever lasting concrete experience on stage has enabled him to master even the most vigorous and tough character of the art, he added.

First Padmashri award for Yakshagana

Chittani Ramachandra Hegde is the first artist performing Yakshagana, to receive prestegeious Padmas Shri award and he dedicated the award to "Yakshagana".[5]

Recognitions and awards

Chittani Ramachandra Hegde is awarded with Padma Shri award in 2012, by Ministry of Home affairs, Government of India.[6] He got K. Shivaram Karanth award in 2009 by Kotathattu grama panchayat, Karnataka.[7]

Admirers

Week long yakshagana performances in his name, styled "Chittani Yaksha Sambhrama" is conducted by his admirers at Mangalore every year.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "'Padma Shri is an honour for Yakshagana'". The Hindu. 6 May 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  2. 1 2 "All set for 'Chittani Yaksha Sambhrama'". The Hindu. 29 October 2011. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  3. ↑ S, Bageshree (23 May 2012). "When an affable man turns into an asura". The Hindu. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  4. ↑ "Varsity may reserve seats for students excelling in cultural activities". The Hindu. 4 September 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  5. ↑ "'Padma Shri is an honour for Yakshagana'". The HIndu. 6 May 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
  6. ↑ "Padma Shri" (PDF). Govt. of India. Min. of Home affairs. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  7. ↑ TNN (10 October 2009). "Karanth Award to Yakshagana artist Chittani". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
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