Abu Dhabi, Oct 24: Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, one of the premier association for Kannadigas in UAE, will be honouring Yakshagana stalwart Shekhar D Shettigar with ‘Da Ra Bendre Award’ during their Karnataka Rajyotsava celebration programme scheduled forNovember 3, at India Social Centre Auditorium. The day-long event of cultural activities will start at 10 a.m. being presided by patron Padmashree Dr. B.R. Shetty and other guests.
Hailing from a beautiful place called Kinnigoli in Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka State, Shekar D. Shettigar is a well-known name in Yakshagana Art, born in the year 1966 to proud parents Damodhar&MohiniShettigar. Currently serving in NMC Group Company he is married to Shantha who is serving as Main Teacher in Mahalaxmi English Medium School, Uchila and blessed with 2 sons Hrishikesh & Vighnesh who are pursuing their pre-degree courses.
Shekar Shettigar’s family has 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 DamodharShettigar was an artiste who has served as an actor, choreographer, costume designer and makeup artiste for more than three decades.
Served as an professional artiste in Kateel, Iruvailu & Saukoor Troupes, he had participated in various occasions and achieved appreciation throughout. He is also the founder of ‘Mohini Kala Sangha’ who provide assistance to various Troupes serving in Yakshagana Art.
Shekar’s elder sister, Vedavathi Shettigar too is well known as an honorary participant in various Yakshagana presentations specially in Surathkal&Aruva Troupes. His brothers SadashivaShettigar, GangadharShettigar&BalakrishnaShettigar 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,HarinarayanBeyipadithaaya& Ganesh Kolakadi for drum beats & reciters of Yakshagana Art. His niece & nephews too are actively involved in Yakshagana and are promoters of this Art.
Shekar Shettigar’s foot prints
With the initial training Shekar received from his father, he continued to attain further training from KateelShrinivas Bhat, Kolyar Ramachandra Bhat, ILokesh Kumar & Ganesh Kolakaadi and shaped up his knowledge with these stalwarts.
At the age of 12 he presented his first entry at Mumbai’s Shanmukhanand Hall participating and enacting roles of Babruvahana & Pradhunya and attained good appreciation in his maiden appearance. Continued his passion towards Yakshagana and had served with Mumbai Narayana Guruswamy Yakshagana Mandali, Veerabadra Yuvaka Mandala, Taalapaadi, Durgaparameshwari Yakshagana Mandali, Mundkoor, Nandikoor Mandali etc. Continued his passion as profession and was with 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 youths into this Art. He served for Veerabadra Yuvaka Mandala, Thenku Yermal Higher Primary School, Higher Primary School, Ullanje, Kateel, Alvas Dheenkita Training Centre, Moodabidri & Yashamithraru Dubai.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
Attained 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 ‘YaagaSangarsha’ a competition conducted by Subramanya Temple, Sooda.
Won first place in various competitons held by AlvasOrganisations, Moodabidri specially directing plays like SudarshanaVijaya, MohiniYekadashi, TaranisenaKalaga, SudanwaKalaga etc.
In 2010 won first place for the play ‘MohiniYekadashi’ specially written & directed for Alvas Group
In the year 2000, 2001 & 2002 won first place for ‘Panduvehsa’, ‘Devavritha’, ‘Sudanwa’ & ‘Taranisena’ in consecutive Kanthavara Competitions.
Attained 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 is remarkable. He 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’.
Comments
Add new comment