Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)
Udupi, Jan 17: This year's prestigious 'Kundeshwar Samman - 2018' award, that is given by Kundeshwar Kshetra, Hirgana, Karkala, will be conferred on 'Yakshachandrike' Shashikant Shetty. The award will be presented by Kishan Hegde, member, Yakshagana Academy, on January 21 during the festival of Kundeshwar Kshetra.
This information was given by Jitendra Kundeshwar, organizer of the event.
Shashikant Shetty, who is popular by the name 'Yakshachandrke' in Yakshagana field is the son of Dharnappa Shetty and Lalita couple of Karkala.
He completed his high school studies at SNV high school, Hiriyangadi and learnt 'Thenku Thittu' dance from Sathish M Karkal. As he got attracted to the 'Badagu Thittu' of Yakshagana, he started to don the 'Badagu vesha' in the year 1999. He was associated with Mandarti mela (troupe) for the first four years. Now he is performing with Saligrama mela since 15 years.
He is happily married to Devika and has two children by the names Shivranjan and Priyadarshan. He resides in Siddapur as it is convenient for him to go around with the troupe. He is also conferred with 'Bhandarkar's Kundapura Shantharam Award' and 'Nittor Ganiga Award' for his contribution in the field of Yakshagana.
Star Performer
Shashikant, who is famous for his females roles in yakshagana, is, of late, donning male characters also on the demand of his fans. His 'Ambe' character of 'Bheeshma Vijaya' story is unparalleled in the whole of Thenku and Badagu Yakshagana from Kasaragod till Uttara Kannada districts.
Shashikant made name due to his excellent performance in roles of 'Eshwari' and 'Parameshwari'. His fans like his female characters of 'Dakshayini', 'Chandramathi', 'Savitri', 'Devayani' and 'Satyabhama' immensely.
He is also performing male characters like 'Rama', 'Krishna', 'Vali' and 'Hanumantha' on the demand of his numerous followers.
Shashikant learnt his acting skills by just watching the performances of Badagu Thittu troupes. His dance was corrected by Sanjeev Suvarna in the revival camp organized by Yakshagana Kalaranga in association with the Yakshagana Academy.
Yakshagana Costume Designer
Shashikant, who knows tailoring, designs the dress and props required for his characters by himself. His wife Devika also lends a helping hand in this work. His colour matching is unique. Because of this extraordinary skill, his services are sought by other troupes like Sigandur, Saligrama, Soukuru and Madamakki.
"There is happiness and satisfasction in the Yakshagana art field. We can shape our whole life if we work with dedication in this art form. Fans are the treasure of an artiste," says Shashikant.
He also opines, "Artistes should be known through their characters like the renowned artistes Chittani and Kannimane. An artist should not expect the momentary attraction or clapping of the audience. The character which the actor is performing should be seen, the character should not die. If the character dies, then both the art as well the artist will die."
Felicitating the Elder Artistes
Shashikant Shetty has founded an association called Sridevi Lalita Kala Sangha. During the rainy season, when they do not have stage shows, the like-minded artistes and people join together and honour the teachers and elders of Yakshagana art. By felicitating Ramesh Devadiga of Kariyakallu, who first did the makeup for Shashikant, he has proved that he has the gratitude for people who have played a role in his success as a Yakshagana artiste.