Speaking to the media here on Tuesday, MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary informed that the award is given away by Kota Thattu Gram Panchayath in memory of the late litterateur Dr Kota Shivaram Karanth on the occasion of his birth centenary celebrations. This is the 5th year since the inception of the award for renowned personalities in the field of art. Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily, Former Lokayukta Justice Venkatachchalaya, K R Hande and Journalist Ravi Belagere are among the earlier recipients of the award, he said.
Chittani Ramachandra Hegde aged 76 has 60 years of experience in Yakshagana. He is known for his role as ‘Kamsa,’ ‘Parashurama,’ ‘Bhasmasura’ and ‘Dustabuddhi’. He is a living legend of the art. Even today he performs on stage better than any younger artist. The ever lasting concrete experience on stage has enabled him to master even the most vigorous and tough character of the art, he added.
Published 24 September 2009, 18:38 IST