Mangaluru: Soorikumeru Govinda Bhat, popularly known as ‘Dashavatari’ of Yakshagana, died at his residence in Thirthahalli on Friday due to an age-related illness. He was 88. He is survived by three sons.Born to Shankaranarayana Bhat and Lakshmi of Kukke Mane in Bantwal taluk, Govinda Bhat entered Yakshagana at the age of 11 and went on to dedicate over seven decades to the art form, particularly the Thenkuthittu style. A disciple of legendary Yakshagana artiste Kuria Vittal Shastri, he later trained in Bharatanatyam under Paramashivan, attaining excellence in the dance dimension of Yakshagana.An accomplished performer, he mastered all aspects of Yakshagana and also performed in the Badagutittu style, earning wide appreciation. He toured for over five decades with the Dharmasthala mela and also served with the Mulki, Koodlu, Ira and Surathkal melas.Renowned for his versatility, he excelled in female (stree vesha), heroic, villainous, royal, comic and colourful roles. His portrayals as both protagonist and antagonist enthralled audiences for decades.Beyond performance, Govinda Bhat trained hundreds of students at several centres, including Dharmasthala, contributing significantly to the growth of Yakshagana. Known for his strong oratory skills, he was also a respected arthadhari.He authored several Yakshagana prasangas, including ‘Mani Mekhale’, ‘Kanaka Rekhe’ and ‘Kaveri Mahatme’.In recognition of his contribution to the art form, he received several honours, including the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
