Thu Jun 12 14:37:11 UTC 2025: ## News Article:

**Veteran Yakshagana Artist Kodi Kushta Ganiga Passes Away at 78**

**MANGALURU, June 12, 2025** – Kodi Kushta Ganiga, a renowned Yakshagana artist celebrated for his masterful portrayal of female characters, has died at the age of 78. Ganiga passed away at his residence in Kodi, Kundapur, Udupi district, on May 12th, 2025, and is survived by his wife, three sons, and a daughter.

Ganiga was a distinguished “stree veshadhari,” renowned for his performances in both the Tenkuthittu and Badaguthittu styles of Yakshagana, a traditional folk theatre form of Karnataka. His career spanned decades, captivating audiences with his renditions of goddesses, mythical women, and even male characters.

Yakshagana Kalaranga of Udupi recently honored Ganiga with the Suvarana Puraskar on May 31st, including a monetary award, recognizing his significant contributions to the art form alongside 49 other veteran artists. He received training in the “hejjegarike” (dance steps) of both styles from esteemed gurus like Heranjalu Venkatramana Gangia and Padre Chandu.

Ganiga was particularly known for his portrayals of Devi, Nandini, Subhadra, Mandodari, Droupadi, Kayadu, Seethe, and other iconic female figures. He also essayed roles such as Parashurama, Vishnu, and Krishna with equal finesse. He performed with several prominent Yakshagana troupes, including Amrutheswari, Maranakatte, Kalavihara, Rajarajeshwari, and notably, the Kateel mela for over three decades.

M. Gangadhar Rao and Murli Kadekar, president and secretary of Yakshagana Kalaranga, have expressed their condolences on the loss of the esteemed artist. The Hindu offers its condolences to his family, friends, and the Yakshagana community.

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