Report: Shodhan Prasad

Abu Dhabi, Oct 23 : Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha one of the premier associations for Kannadigas in UAE will, on Friday, November 3, honour Yakshagana stalwart Shekar D Shettigar with ‘Da Ra Bendre Award’, during their Karnataka Rajyotsava celebration programme, at India Social Centre Auditorium.

Cultural event will start at 10 am and be held until late in the evening. It will be presided over by patron and padmashree awardee Dr B R Shetty and the other guests who will arrive especially for the programme.

Shekar obtained first, second and third place for consecutive 4 years (from year 2000 to 2003) in Thenkuthittu Amateur Yakshagana competition. In 2004, he secured the first place in Yakshagana ‘Moksha Sangrama’ a competition conducted by Nandakeshwar Temple, Panambur, Mangaluru.

In 2007, he attained first place in the Yakshagana ‘Yaaga Sangarsha’ a competition conducted by Subramanya Temple, Sooda. He won the first place in various competitons held by Alvas organisations, Moodbidri, specially directing plays namely Sudarshana Vijaya, Mohini Yekadashi, Taranisena Kalaga, and Sudanwa Kalaga, among others. In 2010, he won the first place for the play ‘Mohini Yekadashi’ specially written and directed for Alvas Group. In the year 2000, 2001 and 2002, he won the first place for ‘Panduvehsa’, ‘Devavritha’, ‘Sudanwa’ and ‘Taranisena’ in the consecutive Kanthavara competitions. He attained first place at Nandakeshwara competition in his role as Taranisena.

About Shekar D Shettigar

Hailing from the beautiful Kinnigoli in South Kanara district of Karnataka, Shekar D Shettigar is a well-known name in Yakshagana art. He was born in 1966 to proud parents Damodhar and Mohini Shettigar. He currently serves in NMC Group and is married to Shantha who serves as main teacher in Mahalaxmi English Medium School, Uchila. The couple is blessed with two sons, Hrishikesh and Vighnesh who are pursuing their pre-degree course.

With the initial training Shekar received from his father, he continued to attain further training from Kateel Shrinivas Bhat, Kolyar Ramachandra Bhat, I Lokesh Kumar and Ganesh Kolakaadi and shaped up his knowledge with the stalwarts. At the age of 12 he presented his first entry at Mumbai’s Shanmukhanand Hall participating and enacting roles of Babruvahana & Pradhunya and attained good appreciation in his maiden appearance. Continued his passion towards Yakshagana and had served with Mumbai Narayana Guruswamy Yakshagana Mandali, Veerabadra Yuvaka Mandala, Taalapaadi, Durgaparameshwari Yakshagana Mandali, Mundkoor, and Nandikoor Mandali, among others. He continued his passion as a profession and was with Shree Bhagavathi Mela, Sasihithlu from 2002 to 2004. From 2004 to 2008 he served for Shree Durgaparameshwari Mela, Kateel and achieved lot of appreciation.

Shekar also contributed his time training and directing youths into the art. He served for Veerabadra Yuvaka Mandala, Thenku Yermal Higher Primary School, Higher Primary School, Ullanje, Kateel, Alvas Dheenkita Training Centre, Moodabidri and Yashamithraru Dubai.

Shekar served as a professional artiste in Kateel, Iruvailu and Saukoor troupes. He performed at various occasions and achieved appreciation throughout. He is also the founder of ‘Mohini Kala Sangha’ which provide assistance to various troupes serving in Yakshagana art.

Family of artistes

Shekar Shettigar’s family has been carrying on the traditional ancient Yakshagana art for more than four decades. Grandfather, Veerayya Shettigar was a well known reciter of Shani Puja while father Damodhar Shettigar was an artiste who has served as an actor, choreographer, costume designer and makeup artiste for more than three decades.

Shekar’s elder sister, Vedavathi Shettigar too is well known as an honorary participant in various Yakshagana presentations specially in Surathkal and Aruva troupes. His brothers Sadashiva Shettigar, Gangadhar Shettigar and Balakrishna Shettigar too have contributed to this great art having participated in Yakshagana’s various fields including acting in dramas and assisting in make-up.

Both of Shekar's children are trained by Yakshagana stalwarts Rajesh Kateel, Harinarayan Beyipadithaaya and Ganesh Kolakadi for drum beats and reciters of Yakshagana art. His niece and nephews too are actively involved in Yakshagana and are promoters of the art.

On the whole, Shekar Shettigar has dedicated his life for ‘Yakshagana Art’ and has contributed remarkably. He put his heart and soul into the dying art. His selfless efforts in maintaining the ancient art is commendable, making him deserving of appreciation and honour as identified by Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha who will honour him with ‘Da Ra Bendre Award’.

Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha wished him the best in his future endeavours and requested Kannadigas residing all over UAE to be witness the programme and be part of the ‘Rajyotsava celebrations’.