Renowned Yakshagana scholar, teacher, and maddale player B. Gopalakrishna Kurup passed away on Tuesday night in Nileshwar, Kasaragod (Kerala) at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.
Originally from Kerala, Kurup had made his home in Shishila, Belthangady taluk, Dakshina Kannada. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award and the Udupi Yakshagana Kalaranga Award. His expertise in playing both maddale and chende, as well as his proficiency in ‘bhagavathike,’ made him a revered figure in the world of Yakshagana.
Kurup was also known for his scholarly contributions to Yakshagana literature. He wrote and published the Kannada treatise Tenkutittu-Prathamika Yakshagana Patagalu, aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of the Himmela of Yakshagana. His other notable works include Tenkutittu Yakshagana Maddale Vaadana Krama and Tenkutittu Yakshagana Chende Vaadana Krama. His autobiography, titled Chende-Maddalegala Naduve, offers an insight into his rich experiences in the field.
Throughout his career, Kurup performed with various Yakshagana troupes, including Dharmasthala, Karnataka, Ira, Ballambettu, and Karnataka Kalavihara, contributing to the preservation and promotion of this traditional art form.
Condoling his demise, Murali Kadekar, secretary of Yakshagana Kalaranga, Udupi, stated, “His work titled Ttittitte, part of his study on Yakshagana rhythm, stands as a testament to his deep scholarship.” M. Gangadhar Rao, President of Kalaranga, also expressed his condolences.
Read also: