Renowned Yakshagana Artist Siddakatte Sadashiva Shettigar Passes Away at 60

Mangaluru, July 20, 2025: The world of Yakshagana mourns the loss of Siddakatte Sadashiva Shettigar, a revered Thenkuthittu Yakshagana artist, who passed away at the age of 60 on Sunday afternoon in a private hospital in Mangaluru. Sadashiva Shettigar, born on December 17, 1965, in Siddakatte, nestled within the embrace of Bantwal taluk's Sangabettu village, was the son of Babu Shettigar and Giriyamma. His artistic spark was kindled at a young age, prompting him to pursue Yakshagana professionally after completing his primary education at Siddakatte Saint Metric Higher Primary School. His dedication to the craft saw him apprentice under the tutelage of legendary figures like Renjala Ramakrishna Rao and Bannada Mahalinga, where he mastered the intricacies of costume, dance, and commanding the stage.

The canvas of his career was richly painted with the hues of his performances across various prestigious troupes. Beginning his journey as a backstage artist with Kateel's second troupe, he later embraced the spotlight as a bannada veshadhari with Kateel's first troupe for an impressive eight years. His odyssey in the art form also included illustrious collaborations with the likes of Dharmasthala, Hosanagar, and Edaneeru troupes. His final bow was taken after a remarkable tenure with the Hanumagiri troupe, a testament to his enduring passion and contribution to the cultural tapestry of Yakshagana. The news of his passing has cast a pall over the artistic realm, as fans and fellow practitioners alike mourn the loss of a true maestro whose legacy will resonate through the annals of Yakshagana history.

A Stalwart of Thenkuthittu Yakshagana

Shettigar’s performances as characters like Mahishasura, Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Shurpanakha earned him a dedicated fanbase. His ability to bring mythological roles to life with vivid expressions and intricate movements made him a standout in the Thenkuthittu style. He also mentored artists like Satish Nainadu, Shabareesh Manya, and Manish Patali, passing on his expertise to the next generation. Shettigar’s contributions were recently recognised with the prestigious Yakshamangala Award from Mangalore University, alongside other honours like the Bhramari Yakshamani Award, Sri Rama Vithala Award, and Kateel Gopalakrishna Asranna Award.

A Legacy Remembered

Shettigar is survived by his wife, Kalavati, two sons, and a daughter. His passing has left a void in the Yakshagana community, with tributes pouring in from artists, fans, and cultural organisations across Karnataka. “His bannada vesha was unparalleled, and his dedication inspired countless performers,” said a spokesperson for the Hanumagiri troupe. Various organisations, including those in Harekala, Pavooru, and B.C. Road, had previously felicitated him for his contributions to the art form.
Keywords: Siddakatte Sadashiva Shettigar, Yakshagana, Bantwal, Mangaluru, bannada vesha, Thenkuthittu, obituary, Karnataka culture