Belagavi: Veteran theatre artiste, 103-year-old Enagi Balappa died at his native residence in Saudatti of Belgaum district today due to age related illness.
Born in 1914 in a agriculture oriented family, Enagi Balappa took a special liking for open-air performances at a very young age of 10. Later, he joined Siddalingaswamy Drama Company as child artiste and continued his theatre journey from there.
Balappa donned feminine roles too and acted in many Kannada movies. Through actor Shivarajkumar-starrer Janumada Jodi, Balappa shot into fame in Sandalwood.
Enagi Balappa is the recipient of Karnataka State Nataka Academy Award, Karnataka Sahitya Parishat award, Karnataka State Government’s prestigious Gubbi Veeranna Award, Kannada University’s Nadoja Award, Karnataka University’s honorary doctorate, Nata Bhushan, Natagandharva and many more.