Yakshagana is a popular art form in Karnataka. It is only in Yakshagana that we find angika, vaachika, aahaarya and satvika, as laid down in Bharata’s Natyashastra, working in harmony.

Yakshagana is composed of colour, movement and music. When facial makeup is in tune with the character, it looks pleasant. That is why in Yakshagana, facial makeup and costumes are given importance.

Character-based makeup, mythological makeup and ancient local makeup are the important types of makeup in traditional art forms. In Yakshagana, it is usually character-based facial makeup that is followed.

In mythological adaptations, facial makeup reflecting the nature of the character is widely accepted. This type of make up is practised by Thenkuthittu extensively. But in Badaguthittu, character-based makeup is gradually disappearing. Nowadays, character can be recognised only when the artiste introduces himself.

Makeup differs from character to character. Facial makeup of a comedian is in contrast to female and royal characters. The colours applied are different. Centuries ago, performances were staged under torch light called Dhondhi. Colours were chosen so as to reflect the artiste’s face in the not so bright light. Colours were prepared out of natural substances such as leaves, vegetables etc. White and red lines are drawn on the forehead differently and in different designs to reveal the nature of the character.

Younger characters like princes do not wear moustache and sport a long line on the forehead. Green lines are drawn when the character is cruel in nature. Colours used in facial makeup of female characters are less complicated than the others. Demons like Shurpanaki, Thataki, Hidambi etc wear dark and bright colours like red.