Mangaluru/Bengaluru: Renowned Yakshagana artiste Kubanur Shridhar Rao Bhagawat died of brief illness here on September 18.

Kubanur Shridhar Rao, a master of Tenku Tittu style of Yakshagana as background singer (Bhagavatike) was associated with Kateel Mela for decades.

He was admitted in a private hospital in Bengaluru following high fever.

Born in Kubanur in Kasargod, he completed diploma in mechanical engineering. But he was very much interested in Yakshagana and learnt Maddale under Lakshana Tori Uppala Krishna Master. He was trained by T Gopalakrishna Mayya and Mambady Narayana Bhagawat in background singing. He was also a Carnatic music singer.

Initially, he performed with Kadri, Nandavara, Aruva, Bappanadu and Kanthavara Melas. For the last two decades he was associated with Kateel Mela. He was also the editor of “Yaksha Prabha” monthly magazine.