Balipa Narayana Bhagawatha made a mark in the world of culture: PM Modi condoles demise of Yakshagana artiste

Balipa Narayana Bhagawatha, who had a large fan following, had mastered a unique style of singing that fans had named as 'Balipa style'

Veteran Yakshagana playback singer and scriptwriter Balipa Narayana Bhagawatha passed away at his residence near Moodbidri in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka on Thursday. He was 84. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those who paid rich tributes to Doshi.

Condolences poured in from various quarters over the demise of Doshi, widely regarded as the foremost architect of modern India.

''Shri Balipa Narayana Bhagawatha made a mark in the world of culture. He devoted his life towards Yakshagana playback singing and was admired for his exemplary style. His works will be admired by the coming generations. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti,'' tweeted PM Modi.

Shri Balipa Narayana Bhagawatha made a mark in the world of culture. He devoted his life towards Yakshagana playback singing and was admired for his exemplary style. His works will be admired by the coming generations. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2023

Born on March 19, 1938 at Padre village in Kasaragod of Kerala, Balipa Narayana Bhagawatha served Yakshagana art for more than 60 years and was known for his great voice. His family later shifted to Maruru. He hailed from a family of Yakshagana artistes.

He hailed from Maruru near Moodbidri, and is survived by sons Madhava, Shashidhara and Shivashankara who is also a noted Yakshagana playback singer. His wife, Jayalakshmi, had predeceased him.

Bhagawatha, who had a large fan following, had mastered a unique style of singing that fans had named as 'Balipa style', which was distinct from that of other singers. He had a rich voice and wrote over 30 Yakshagana 'prasangas' (scripts).

The veteran man had served at Kateel Durgaparameshwari Yakshagana mela as an artiste for several years. He had created several contexts and songs of Yakshagana.

Bhagawatha served Yakshagana art for more than 60 years. He first started Padre Jatadari Mela. He knew more than 50 contexts of Yakshagana of which 30 were published.

He has received several awards including Samagra Prashasthi 2021, Karnataka Janapada and Yakshagana Jana Prashasthi 2003, Karnataka Janapada Parishad Doddamane Lingegowda Prashasthi 2002 and the Karnataka Rajyotsava award.