From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Aug 18: Legendary Kannada theatre actor and former Chairman of Karnataka Natak Academy Enagi Balappa died at his residence in Enagi village near Savadatti in Belagavi district on Friday morning.

He was 103 years old. He died due to age-related illness at his residence.

The celebrated theatre personality was a recipient of central Sangeet Natak Academi award, honorary fellowship of the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, and other accolades.

Balappa was honoured with the Doctor of Performing Arts degree by the Dr Gangubai Hangal University of Performing Arts.

Born Balappa Karibasappa Lokur in 1914, he came to be known as Enagi Balappa, as drama enthusiasts connected the actor with his native village.

Balappa was a towering personality among the professional theatre artistes of India and had performed across the country and abroad. He had mentored several hundred actors, singers and artistes. 

His son Nataraj, who was an accomplished actor himself, died in 2012.