Mysuru: Former Mysuru Rangayana Director and senior theatre personality Chidambara Rao Jambe (77), passed away at his residence in Heggodu village, Sagara taluk of Shivamogga district yesterday.

He is survived by his wife, one son and a host of relatives and friends. Jambe received his theatre training at the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi and subsequently served as a professor there. He had served as the Principal of the theatre training centres at Ninasam (Heggodu) and Sanehalli in Hosadurga taluk.

He had directed plays for many theatre troupes across the country and had students in the field of theatre across the country.

Jambe had directed hundreds of plays, including ‘Cherry Hannina Thota,’ ‘Chanakya Prapancha,’ Aa Ooru Ee Ooru,’ ‘Tale Danda’ and ‘Loka Shakuntala’ among other plays. He had received several awards, including the prestigious Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

Last rites were held at Adderi village in Sagara taluk this morning, according to sources.