In a shocking development, eminent proponent of Yakshagana, Keremane Shamhu Hegde passed away on Tuesday following a cardiac arrest. Hegde was 71. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

Hegde was also the President of the Janapada Academy, a member of the Central Sangeet Natak academy and a member of the governing body of the South Zone Cultural Centre. Apart from winning various awards, Hegde was also the recipient of the prestigious Rajyotsava award. He also received Sangeet Nataka Academy award and the Karnataka State award.

Hegde breathed his last while playing the lead role of Shri Rama in a play called ‘Kusha-Lava’ at Gunavante. For a period of more than 5 decades, Hegde promoted the northern style of Badagu Tittu. Apart from being an artist of the ancient art form Yakshagana, he was also a director and researcher. It was his attempts that Yakshagana was taken to spectators across the globe, thus breaking all barriers of language and culture. His contribution to the Yakshagana art form was immeasurable. He worked hard for taking Yakshagana to international level.

Moreover, Hegde’s excellent command over both English and Hindi language helped his group to won many honours during all the regional, national and international tours of the Idagunji mela.

Some of the characters portrayed by Shambhu Hegde were those of Duryodhana, Dushtabuddhi, Karna, Shrirama, Hanuman, Kartavirya, and Jarasandha.

Hegde’s death has truly shaken and saddened the world.

Expressing a grief over Hegde’s death, eminent scholar Dr M Prabhakar Joshi said, “Hegde served Yakshgana as an artiste, art critic, organizer etc.” Minister Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, Kumta MLA Dinakar Shetty, former minister Shivananda Naik, and other artistes have expressed shock over his death.