Tulu Play “Aaye Aan Mage” Wins Dharmasthala Rathnavarma Heggade Award

Mangalore Today News Network

Karkala, April 5, 2026: Tulu playwright Vilas Kumar Nitte has won the prestigious Dharmasthala Rathnavarma Heggade Award for his play “Aaye Aan Mage”. The play secured the second prize along with a cash award at a drama competition organised by Tulu Koota Kudla under the sponsorship of Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade.

Vilas Kumar Nitte has authored over 20 Tulu plays, including Guttuda Gurkaare, Muthaisi Madmal, Telikeda Nalike, Gaggara, Alegepa Madme, Materla Barodu, Kambulada Nadutonji Kathe, Tammana, Panare Dhairyajji, Panande Poyer and Barepunaye Baretje, among others.

Notably, four of his plays have so far received the Dharmasthala Rathnavarma Heggade Award. A native of Attur Balipaguthu in Nitte village, he is the son of Prema Shetty and Jagannath Shetty. He is currently working with Vijay Karnataka daily.