Mysuru: Senior theatre artiste P. Gangadhara swamy (76), a resident of Dattagalli 2nd Stage, passed away following a heart attack yesterday in city.

He leaves behind his wife, one son, one daughter and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites were held at Veerashaiva Lingayat Burial Grounds at Lalithadripura this afternoon, according to family sources.

Gangasharaswamy served as a lecturer and later as the Principal of Ninasam besides serving as a lecturer at Adarsh Film Institute in Bengaluru. He had also served as the Director of Rangayana in Dharwad and had also served as a teacher in Mysuru Rangayana.

He was the Vice-President and General Secretary of Samudaya Rajya Samithi and conducted theatre training camps besides directing plays. He was the recipient of the annual Nataka Academy award.