Yakshagana artiste Gangaiah Shetty collapses on stage during performance, dies
Bellevision Media Network
Mangaluru, 23 Mar 2017: Renowned Yakshagana artiste Gerukatte Gangaiah Shetty passed away on Wednesday night after he collapsed during a performance at Yekkar; though he was rushed to a hospital, he could not be saved.
Gangaiah Shetty hailed from Belthangady and was interested in Yakshagana from a very tender age; he then trained himself in the art at Dharmasthala.
Gangaiah Shetty was well-known for his ’Bannada Veshas.’ He rendered nearly 48-years service with the Durgaparameshwari Yakshagana Mandali and portrayed characters like Rudrabheema, Arunasura, Ravana, Chandagopa and so on.
He was the son of Ammu Shetty and Kamala Shetty of Gerukatte in Belthangady taluk. He became Yakshagana aritiste at 16 years and has been a part of Kateelu Yakshagana Mela for the past 45 years.
Gangaiah Shetty has left behind wife and three sons.
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire family. May his soul rest in peace.