Senior Yakshagana exponent Mijar Annappa passes away

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 04, 2016: Reports have come in that  Senior Yakshagana artiste Mijar Annappa, aged 93, known for his humour  passed away on Sunday April 3.  At least  70 years in Yakshagana in the Thenkuthittu form, Mijar Annappa is fondly remembered for his roles of ’Vidushaka’ (comedian) in several Yakshagana plays.

In recognition of his service to Yakshagana, Mijar Annappa was honoured with several awards including Karnataka State Award in 1992, Tulu Sahitya Academy Award, Pulincha award, Yaksha Kalanidhi Award by the Delhi-based Academy of Thenku Thittu Yakshagana (ATTY), honours in Dubai and Bahrain and more.

LIFE :  Born to Koraga Gowda and Parvati in 1923 in Mijar, his primary schooling was at Shree Vanivilasa Higher Primary School in Ashwathpura.   He was attracted to Yakshangana as a boy.  His first Yakshagana performance was in 1940 at Kudlu Mela organized by Beltangady Patels. During this time, he was tutored by renowned scholars like Kudlu Subraya Shanbaug.

In 1941, he joined Kateel Mela and for  at two years took part in many performances. The  next 10 years with Ira Somanatheshwara Mela led by Kallady Koraga Shetty, 38 years with Karnataka Mela led by Kallady Vittal Shetty and his son Kallady Devi Prasad Shetty, and two years with Sarathyada Karnataka Mela under Kishan Hegde. He spent the last two years of his service in the Yakshagana field with Kateel Mela.

Mijar Annappa is mourned by his wife, son and a daughter.