Sat Dec 14 17:14:32 UTC 2024: ## Yakshagana Legend Leelavathi Baipadithaya Passes Away at 77
**Mangaluru, December 14, 2024** – K. Leelavathi Baipadithaya, a pioneering female yakshagana singer and a celebrated figure in the coastal Karnataka theatre scene, passed away at her residence in Kolambe, Mangaluru, on Saturday evening. She was 77.
Baipadithaya, known for her rich and melodious voice, was a trailblazer, breaking barriers in the traditionally male-dominated world of yakshagana. She is credited with being the first woman to tour with professional yakshagana melas (troupes), performing all-night shows across the coastal belt. Her career spanning four decades, saw her grace the stages of renowned melas such as Subrahmanya, Puttur, Kadri, Karnataka, Bappanadu, Kumble, Talakala, and Aladangady. She also performed as a guest artist for 17 years.
Her performances, particularly after the 1980s, inspired many women to join yakshagana either as performers or singers. Baipadithaya, who learned yakshagana singing from her husband, Harinarayana Baipadithaya (a renowned maddale player), received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the Karnataka Yakshagana Academy Award (2010), Mangalore University’s Yakshamangala Award (2015), and the Alva’s Nudisiri Award (2015), among others. Her husband received the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2023.
Despite lacking formal schooling, she pursued a Hindi Visharada course and studied Carnatic vocal music for seven years. Baipadithaya is survived by her husband and two sons, including journalist Avinash Baipadithaya. Her last rites will be performed on Sunday. Her legacy as a pioneering female yakshagana artist will continue to inspire generations to come.
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