Melukote: Senior theatre personality Shamanna (75) of Pagadekallahalli near Melukote in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district passed away at his residence on Monday morning.

He leaves behind his son Ashok, four daughters and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites were performed at his native village in Mandya on Monday evening.

He was the first year recipient of the State-level Kayakayogi Sri Siddarameshwara Award. He was involved in the theatre for over 4 decades. A respected person, Shamanna had served as a Gram Panchayat Member and as President of Pandavapura Taluk Panchayat. He was supposed to be felicitated during Rathasaptami Folklore Evening (Janapada Sanje) that is scheduled to take place at Melukote on Feb. 15.