Mangaluru: Renowned Yakshagana artiste Gerukatte Gangaiah Shetty passed away here on Wednesday, March 22.

Gangaiah Shetty was performing at a Mela organized in Yekkar here while he suddenly collapsed on the stage. Though he was immediately rushed to a hospital, he could not be saved.

Well-known for his portrayal of Mahishasura, Shetty, who off late was not seen performing on stage, was enacting the role of Demon Arunasura in what became his last performance.