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Mangaluru, Mar 21: Senior Yakshagana artiste of the Tenku Thittu style, Soorikumeru Govinda Bhat (88), passed away on Friday night at his elder son’s residence in Heddooru near Thirthahalli.

After retiring from Yakshagana, he was leading a retired life at his sons’ residences in Thirthahalli and Ajjibettu near B.C. Road. He had been suffering from age-related ailments and had recently received treatment at a private hospital in Mangaluru before returning home. He passed away at around 9.10 pm on Friday, family sources said.

Govinda Bhat had worked in Yakshagana troupes in Mulki, Kudlu, Surathkal and Ira before serving for nearly 55 years in the Dharmasthala troupe. He is survived by three sons and family members. His wife Savitri had passed away during the COVID period.

Known among fellow artistes as “Guru Govinda Bhat”, he initially performed female roles and later became known for portraying a wide range of characters. His roles in Kaurava characters were particularly noted. He also portrayed roles such as Heggade, Ganamani, Ishwara, Rakthabeeja, Devendra, Shatrughna, Keechaka, Daksha, Magadha and Shishupala in various Yakshagana performances.

He also authored several Yakshagana prasangas including Manimekhale, Kanakarekhe, Kaveri Mahatme, Mooru Vare Vajragalu, Rajashekhara Vilasa, Mahaveera Samrat Ashoka and Nahushendra. He was widely recognised for his performances as Rakthabeeja, Indrajit, Bhishma and Kaurava.

Govinda Bhat was known for his clear dialogue delivery, disciplined dance and expressive performance style. He received several honours including the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2016 and the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, along with recognitions from various organisations.

Born on March 22, 1940, to Shankaranarayana Bhat and Lakshmi Amma, he studied up to Class 7 in Kodapadavu and Vitla. He married Savitri on April 26, 1966, and the couple had three sons.

He faced hardships in his early life and entered Yakshagana as a means of livelihood. Over time, he trained under senior artistes including Kuriya Vithala Shastri, Paramashivan, Madhava Menon and Rajan Iyer, and joined a Yakshagana troupe in 1951.