Renowned Yakshagana Artist Mukhyaprana Kinnigoli Passes Away at 84
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Mangaluru, June 21, 2025: The Yakshagana community mourns the loss of veteran humor artist Mukhyaprana Kinnigoli, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 84. Born in 1941 to Rukkayya Shettigar and Sesi Shettigar, Mukhyaprana, a resident of Shimanthooru, leaves behind a rich legacy in the traditional art form of Yakshagana.
Mukhyaprana began his journey as an amateur artist with the Kinnigoli’s Goolajorada Durgaparameshwari Yakshagana Kalasangha. Guided by mentors Shimanthooru Narayana Shetty and Mijaru Annappa, he excelled in both Thenku and Badagu Tittu styles, captivating audiences with his versatile performances.
His iconic roles, including Adugoolajji in Chelluve Chitravati, Rangachari in Shudra Tapasvini, Preta in Kanchanashree, Shoorsena in Swapna Samrajya, and Madivala in Kali Krodhana, earned him widespread acclaim.
Honored with prestigious awards like the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award and Dogra Poojari Award, Mukhyaprana’s contributions to Yakshagana will remain etched in the hearts of art lovers. His demise marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Keywords: Yakshagana, Mukhyaprana Kinnigoli, humor artist, Mangaluru, Karnataka, Thenku Tittu, Badagu Tittu, Rajyotsava Award, Dogra Poojari Award, Shimanthooru, Goolajorada Durgaparameshwari, Chelluve Chitravati, Shudra Tapasvini, Kanchanashree, Swapna Samrajya, Kali Krodhana, obituary, traditional art, Yakshagana legend