Udupi: Yakshagana artiste dies of heart attack

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Nov 20, 2025: A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday night during a Mandarti troupe Yakshagana performance, where an artiste playing the role of Mahishasura collapsed and died of a heart attack before he could return to the greenroom to remove his makeup after completing his stage appearance.

The deceased has been identified as Eshwar Gowda Nemmara (51), a colour-role artiste of the Mandarti Second Troupe.

The incident took place around midnight near Sauda in Kundapur. Eshwar Gowda, a native of Nemmara near Sringeri, was performing with the second troupe.

He suffered a heart attack and passed away even before fellow artistes could rush him to the hospital. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

For nearly three decades, Eshwar Gowda had served as an artiste in several Yakshagana troupes, including Shivarajapura, Megaravalli, Madamaki, Amriteshwari, and Mandarti. He was known for his expertise in portraying mythological male characters on stage. His final rites will be held today at Bukdibailu in Nemmara village near Sringeri.

Mandarti troupe president M. Gangadhara Rao and secretary Murali Kadekar have expressed their condolences over his demise.