Mangaluru: Yakshagana Artiste and Former MLA Kumble Sundar Rao passed away at 90.

Sundar Rao was also a Yakshagana and talamaddale artiste. He also served as an MLA from the then Surathkal Constituency in District. From 1994 to 1999, he served as an MLA from Surathkal Constituency on a BJP ticket. Working as an artiste at Surathkal, Dharmasthala and Ira Yakshagana Melas, he also served as the President of Karnataka State Yakshagana Academy. As an Yakshagana artiste, he became the first legislator to be elected directly by voters.

He was born on March 20, 1934 in Kumbale, Kerala, to Kayarkadi Kunhakanna and Kalyani.

Kumble Sundar Rao was suffering from age-related illness. He died at his home in Pumpwell City. Kumble Sundar Rao was known for his brilliant oratory skills. Kumble Sundar Rao was also known for his rhythmic dialogues in Yakshagana field. He had served Yakshagana for more than 50 years. Yakshagana world mourns the death of Kumble Sundar Rao.

Kumble Sundar Rao’s funeral will be held in City on Thursday December 1.