Sirsi: A prominent name in the field of the folk art “Yakshagana”, Hosthota Manjunath Bhagavath (80) passed away on Tuesday, January 7.
According to the reports, he had taken ill a while ago and was being treated in a hospital. He was later moved to the residence of one of his well-wishers, where he was cared for. The artiste, it is learnt, was bed-ridden for more than 15 days.
Born in the year 1940 in Hosthota of the Hanumanti village, Manjunath soon became attracted by the spiritual world. He was known for mythological Yakshagana renditions.
During his lifetime, he guided over 1000 students in Yakshagana and also trained blind students of the Shree Sharada Devi Andhara Vikasa Kendra and created a record.
To create awareness on the importance of education, he had staged “Akshara Vijaya” Yakshagana which was presented more than 50 times in several places.
His noted works include “Yaksha Rushi”, “Shashtabdhi” and “Bahumukha”.
Manjunath has also won several state accolades for his work and contribution.
