Yakshagana ‘Bhagavatha’ Subrahmanya Dhareshwara passes away at 66
Renowned Yakshagana ‘bhagavatha’ Subrahmanya Dhareshwara passed away in Bengaluru on Thursday, April 25. He was 66 years old and is survived by his wife and two children.
Dhareshwara was born on September 5, 1957, in Kirimanjeshwara, Kundapura taluk in Udupi district. A disciple of legendary Yakshagana ‘bhagavatha’ late Narnappa Uppura, he entered into Yakshagana theatre as a professional singer at the young age of 21.
His father, Lakshminarayana Bhat from Dhareshwar, was an amateur Yakshagana artiste, which influenced Dhareshwara’s passion for the traditional art form from an early age. He remained a professional ‘bhagavatha’ for nearly four decades, singing in various Yakshagana shows and Talamaddales.
Dhareshwara played a significant role in filling the void created in the Badagu Thittu (Southern) school of Yakshagana following the untimely demise of legendary ‘bhagavatha’ Kalinga Navada in May 1990.
As a recognized ‘pradhana bhagavatha,’ Dhareshwara performed with renowned Yakshagana melas (touring performing troupes) such as Amrutheswari, Hiremahalingeshwara, Panchalinga, and Perdoor. He was a recipient of the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava award.
The mortal remains of Dhareshwara were brought to his hometown, Kirimanjeshwara, in the evening on April 25. His passing has left a void in the Yakshagana community and among his countless fans who cherished his melodious and captivating voice.
