Mangaluru: Yakshagana artist Disha C. Shetty has won widespread appreciation after performing on stage nine months into her pregnancy, with videos of her portrayal of Kayadu at a Yakshagana programme in Surathkal going viral on social media.
Her performance has drawn admiration from Yakshagana enthusiasts, highlighting her longstanding passion for the traditional coastal art form. However, Disha has described the moment not as an achievement or a trend, but simply as a source of personal happiness.
“This isn’t an achievement, nor is it a trend — it is simply my own source of joy!” she said while speaking about her experience.
Disha, who hails from Surathkal, has been associated with Yakshagana from a young age. Over the years, she has built a reputation as a skilled performer, particularly for her portrayal of powerful male characters, traditionally known as punda vesha.
Yakshagana journey rooted in family tradition
Yakshagana, the traditional dance-drama form of coastal Karnataka, has historically been regarded as a masculine art form, often referred to as gandu-kale. However, women performers have increasingly established themselves in the field, earning recognition for their skill, dedication and ability to portray a wide range of characters.
Disha’s association with Yakshagana began during her childhood. Her mother and maternal aunts were also involved in the art form, helping nurture her interest in the traditional theatre form from an early age.
She received training under dance gurus Rakshit Padre and Rakesh Rai Adka, developing the skills required for Yakshagana’s demanding combination of dance, dialogue, facial expressions, rhythm and character portrayal.
Through years of practice and performances, Disha established herself as a prominent name among women Yakshagana artists in the coastal region. Her ability to portray vigorous and heroic male characters has been a particularly distinctive aspect of her artistic journey.
Powerful roles earned her recognition
Disha has earned recognition for portraying several prominent characters, including Sudarshana, Abhimanyu, Ashwatthama and Chanda-Munda. These roles have allowed her to demonstrate her command over the physicality, expressions and dramatic intensity associated with Yakshagana’s heroic and challenging characters.
Her portrayal of Krishna in Radha Vilasa is also widely appreciated among audiences in the coastal region.
In the production, she performs alongside her sister, Dr Varsha Shetty, whose portrayal of Radha complements Disha’s Krishna. Their performances have captivated audiences, contributing to the popularity of the production.
Over the years, Disha has brought a variety of characters to life on stage, earning appreciation from Yakshagana enthusiasts for her versatility and commitment to the art form.
Her journey also reflects the growing presence of women in Yakshagana, where performers continue to challenge traditional perceptions through their participation in roles once largely associated with men.
Performance during ninth month of pregnancy draws attention
Disha’s recent appearance on the Yakshagana stage in Surathkal has brought her renewed public attention. Nine months pregnant at the time, she portrayed Kayadu during the performance, with videos of the event subsequently circulating widely on social media.
The footage has prompted numerous expressions of appreciation from Yakshagana enthusiasts and members of the public, many of whom have praised her dedication to the art form.
Her performance has also sparked conversations about the deep personal connections that artists develop with their chosen disciplines. For Disha, Yakshagana has been a longstanding part of her life, shaped by family influences, formal training and years of stage experience.
While the videos have attracted attention because of the timing of her performance, Disha has played down the idea of treating it as a record-setting accomplishment or a social media trend.
Instead, she has emphasised the personal satisfaction she derives from performing Yakshagana, describing it as something that brings her happiness.
Family support behind her artistic journey
Disha has expressed gratitude to her family for supporting her throughout her Yakshagana journey and during her recent performance.
She acknowledged the encouragement she received from her husband, Pratham Shetty; her mother, Pramada C. Shetty; her father, Chandra N. M.; and other members of her family.
Having grown up in a family with an association with Yakshagana, she has benefited from an environment that encouraged her interest in the art form. Their continued support has remained an important part of her journey as a performer.
Disha currently works as a public relations officer and lecturer at Alva’s Education Foundation. Alongside her professional responsibilities, she has continued to pursue her passion for Yakshagana.
Her latest performance has once again brought attention to her longstanding association with the art form and the dedication with which she approaches her roles.
A personal expression of love for Yakshagana
Disha’s performance in Surathkal has become a talking point among Yakshagana enthusiasts, with the viral videos introducing her dedication to a wider audience.
Her journey, from developing an interest in Yakshagana as a child to earning recognition for challenging roles, reflects years of commitment to a traditional art form that continues to evolve.
For Disha, however, the significance of the recent performance lies not in the attention it has generated but in the joy she finds in Yakshagana.
Her words offer a glimpse into the personal bond that performers often share with their art — one that extends beyond public recognition, applause or online popularity.
As appreciation continues to pour in for her portrayal of Kayadu, Disha’s message remains simple: Yakshagana is not merely a performance or a trend for her, but a cherished source of happiness.