Nagamangala: Renowned Veeragase artiste and Karnataka Rajyotsava Awardee Mahadevappa (70) passed away following respiratory problems on Thursday.

He is survived by his wife Sumitra, son Anirudha and three daughters.

A resident of Kumbarabeedi in Nagamangala, he was suffering from leg pain for the past few days. After receiving treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru, he was staying at his daughter’s house in the town. He suddenly developed respiratory problems and breathed his last at his daughter’s house.

Mahadevappa, was a recipient of hundreds of awards from various organisations including the Karnataka Janapada Academy and Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Award. He had inspired the art of Veeragase and gained public acclaim through his art performances in various parts of the State. He had also performed  as a Veeragase artiste in some of the Kannada films.

Mahadevappa’s father had also practiced the art of Veeragase. Mahadevappa has trained hundreds of disciples in Veeragase, ensuring that  the tradition was passed on to future generations.

Nagamangala MLA N. Cheluvarayaswamy has expressed profound grief and shock upon learning of Mahadevappa’s demise. He described Mahadevappa as a “distinguished artiste” who dedicated his life for the cause of the art.