Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, one of the premier association for Kannadigas in the UAE will be honouring Yakshagana Stalwart Shekar D. Shettigar with ‘Da Ra Bendre Award’, during their Karnataka Rajyotsava celebration programme scheduled for November 3, at India Social Centre Auditorium. The whole day event of cultural activities will start at 10 am and will be presided by Patron Padmashree Dr. B.R. Shetty.
Hailing from a beautiful place called Kinnigoli in South Kanara District of Karnataka State, Shekar D. Shettigar is a well-known name in Yakshagana Art. Born in 1966 to proud parents Damodhar and Mohini Shettigar, he is currently serving NMC Group Company. He is married to Shantha, who is serving as head teacher in Mahalaxmi English Medium School, Uchila and is blessed with two sons-Hrishikesh and Vighnesh who are pursuing their pre-degree courses.
Shekar Shettigar’s family have been carrying on this traditional ancient Yakshagana Art for more than four decades. Grandfather Veerayya Shettigar was a well know reciter of Shani Pooja while father Damodhar Shettigar was an artiste who has served as an actor, choreographer, costume designer and makeup artiste for more than three decades.
Shekar’s elder sister, Vedavathi Shettigar too is well known as an honorary participant in various Yakshagana presentations, especially in Surathkal and Aruva Troupes. His brothers Sadashiva Shettigar, Gangadhar Shettigar and Balakrishna Shettigar too have contributed to this great art having participated in Yakshagana’s various fields including acting in dramas and assisting in make-up.
Both the children of Shekar are trained under Yakshagana Stalwarts like Rajesh Kateel, Harinarayan Beyipadithaaya and Ganesh Kolakadi for drum beats and reciters of Yakshagana art. His niece and nephews too are actively involved in Yakshagana and are promoters of this art.
Shekar Shettigar’s colourful journey
With the initial training from his father, Shekar continued to attain further training from Kateel Shrinivas Bhat, Kolyar Ramachandra Bhat, Lokesh Kumar and Ganesh Kolakaadi. At the age of 12 he presented his first entry at Mumbai’s Shanmukhanand Hall participating and enacting roles of Babruvahana and Pradhunya and attained good appreciation in his maiden appearance. He had later been part of Mumbai Narayana Guruswamy Yakshagana Mandali, Veerabhadra Yuvaka Mandala, Taalapaadi, Durgaparameshwari Yakshagana Mandali, Mundkoor, Nandikoor Mandali etc. Continuing his passion as profession, he then joined Shree Bhagavathi Mela, Sasihithlu from year 2002 till 2004 and then from year 2004 to 2008 he served for Shree Durgaparameshwari Mela, Kateel and achieved lot of appreciations.
Shekar also contributed his time training and directing youth into this art.
Awards and Accolades
Bagged first, second & third place for consecutive 4 years (from year 2000 to 2003) in Thenkuthittu Amateur Yakshagana Competition
In the year 2004 attained first place in the Yakshagana ‘Moksha Sangrama’ a competition conducted by Nandakeshwar Temple, Panambur, Mangalore.
In the year 2007 attained first place in the Yakshagana ‘Yaaga Sangarsha’ a competition conducted by Subramanya Temple, Sooda.
Won first place in various competitions held by Alvas Organisations, Moodabidri specially directing plays like Sudarshana Vijaya, Mohini Yekadashi, Taranisena Kalaga, Sudanwa Kalaga etc.
In 2010 won first place for the play ‘Mohini Yekadashi’ specially written & directed for Alvas Group
In the year 2000, 2001 & 2002 won first place for ‘Panduvehsa’, ‘Devavritha’, ‘Sudanwa’ & ‘Taranisena’ in consecutive Kanthavara Competitions.
Bagged first place at Nandakeshwara competition in his role as Taranisena.
On the whole, Shekar Shettigar has dedicated his life for ‘Yakshagana Art’ and his contribution to this field is remarkable. He has put his heart and soul into this dying art and his selfless effort in maintaining this ancient art is commendable. He deserves this appreciation and honour as identified by Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha who has decided to honour him this year with ‘Da Ra Bendre Award’.
Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha wishes him all the best in his future endeavor and requests Kannadigas residing all over UAE to be witness this programme and be part of the ‘Rajyotsava Celebrations’
