Mangaluru: Veteran Yakshagana artiste Chittani Ramachandra Hegde passed away at KMC Hospital in Manipal last night, due to pneumonia. He was 84. He was admitted to the ICU in Manipal on Friday.

One of the most popular Yakshagana artistes, Chittani, as he was widely known, hailed from Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district. He was the first among Yakshagana artistes to receive Padma Shri award.

Hegde, who was performing Yakshagana for over seven decades, was on stage in the Yakshaganas staged as part of Navaratri in Bangarmakki village between Sept. 21 and 25, where he donned the role of the father of Bheeshma in a mythological Yakshagana. He is much famed for ‘Kaurava,’ ‘Bhasmasura,’ ‘Keechaka,’ ‘Karna’ and ‘Kamsa’ roles in Yakshagana and his style is popularly known as ‘Chittani style.’

He is survived by four children, including two sons, also Yakshagana artistes. His eyes were donated.

Chittani Award: It may be mentioned here that Innovative, Mysuru, every year presents Chittani Award, carrying a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 and a citation, instituted in the name of Padma Shri Chittani Ramachandra Hegde to Yakshagana artistes/promoters.