Udupi: The veteran Yakshagana artist, Chittani Ramachandra Hegde (84), who was first among the Yakshagana artist to win Padmashri award, passed away at KMC hospital here at Manipal around 9:30 pm on 3rd October, Tuesday.

Sources informed that Hegde was admitted to the hospital a few days back as he was suffering from breathing problem. He was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition.

Hegde was born in the year 1933 in Chittani village in Honnavar taluk of Uttar Kannada district. He started his career in Yakshagana since he was seven years old. Within seven years, he started performing the main roles in the Yakshagana prasangas. His parents encouraged him to continue with the Yakshagana, and he joined Keremane mela of Idagunji and stayed with the troupe for several decades. Hegde was a Padmashri award winner in the year 2012. Apart from it, he also got a host of state and national awards.

Hegde survived with a wife and his four children. Even at the age of 84, he was performing on the stage. His last performance was on 25th September as Shantanu, the father of Bheesma, after which he fell ill.