Yakshagana Legend Pathala Venkataramana Bhat Passes Away at 92

Puttur, July 19,2025: The world's Yakshagana community grieves the demise of legendary performer Pathala Venkataramana Bhat. The 92-year-old maestro breathed his last at home in Pathala on Saturday. Post breakfast, he was taken to a nearby hospital but could not recover. Bhat's exceptional dedication to Yakshagana leaves an indelible mark. Two sons, four daughters, and numerous loved ones survive him. Younger son Sriram and daughter-in-law Geeta were present during his final moments.

A Trailblazer in Yakshagana’s Female Roles

Pathala Venkataramana Bhat was a towering figure in Yakshagana, a traditional theatre form of Karnataka, particularly renowned for his portrayal of female characters during an era when women rarely performed on stage. His ability to embody iconic roles such as Rambha, Urvashi, Menaka, Satyabhama, Subhadra, Draupadi, and Swayamprabha earned him widespread acclaim. Bhat’s performances were marked by grace and authenticity, drawing inspiration from the intricate gestures of Belur’s stone sculptures, which he studied firsthand to perfect his craft. His son, Amba Prasad, continues his legacy as a distinguished female-role performer in Yakshagana.
Born on November 16, 1933, in Baipadavu, near Puttur, to Sri Rama Bhat and Hemavathi, Pathala Venkataramana Bhat began his Yakshagana journey under the tutelage of Puttur Krishna Bhat, mastering the Tenkutittu style. He later trained in Badagutittu under Ulturu Sitarama and honed his dance techniques with luminaries like Peruvodi Narayana Bhat, Kadaru Narayana Bhat, and Alike Ramayya Rai. His career spanned several prestigious troupes, including Kanchan Mela, Saukuru Mela, Mulki Mela, and the revered Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Yakshagana Mandali, where his tenure from 1963 to the 1980s is considered the golden era of his artistic journey.

A Legacy of Art and Accolades

Bhat’s contributions transcended the stage, earning him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Mani Vila title from Chennai’s Hindu Dharma Sangha, as well as honours from Edaneeru Matha, Swarna Yakshagana Mandali, Mahalingeshwara Yakshagana Mandali, Karavali Yakshagana Mandali, B.B. Shetty Prashasti, Pattaje Prashasti, Deraje Prashasti, and Kalkura Prashasti. His artistry was also blessed by Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swamiji of Gurupitha Ramachandrapura Matha. In 2024, he was conferred the Sheni Prashasti and Kuriya Vithala Shastri Prashasti for his exemplary contributions.
Bhat’s dedication to Yakshagana extended beyond performance; he supported the art form by honouring 50 fellow artists with Rs 10,000 each from his earnings. His life, defined by artistry and generosity, leaves an indelible mark on Karnataka’s cultural landscape.
Keywords: Pathala Venkataramana Bhat, Yakshagana, Puttur, Karnataka, female roles, Dharmasthala Mela, obituary, cultural icon, veteran artist, Tenkutittu, Badagutittu