Yakshagana artiste Surikumeri K. Govinda Bhat, 79, has been chosen for the Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2016. The award carries a purse of ₹1 lakh, besides a Tamrapatra and Angavastram. He is among the nine artistes chosen for the award in theatre category.
Mr. Bhat has 67 years of experience in Yakshagana. He is presently an artiste with Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara Yakshagana Mandali and has been serving with it since 50 years. He told The Hindu that he did not expect the award. He was considering retiring because of his age.
Mr. Bhat played the character of Vajra Bahu in Kamsa Vivaha prasanga in Dharmasthala on Saturday. It was the last show of the mela for the current touring season.
