Eminent Yakshagana artiste in Tenkuthittu and Badaguthittu, Siddakatte Vishwanathe Shetty (58), passed away on Friday after a brief illness.
Born on July 24, 1957, at Ajjibettu, Bantwal taluk in Dakshina Kannada district, Shetty was known for his oratory skills and giving life to any role during the performance. He was equally famous in Talamaddale as an eminent interpreter. Having no Yakshagana background in the family, Shetty excelled in the art due to his persistent efforts. He learnt the art of Yakshagana dance from Kavoor Keshava. He started the career with Kateel Mela after completing the higher secondary education and later worked with Kadri, Karnataka, Mangaladevi and Saligrama Melas. Presently, he was with the Hiriyadka Mela.
He is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons.
