The prestigious Sheni Award for the year 2025 will be bestowed upon the venerable Yakshagana and Talamaddale artiste, Moodambail Gopalakrishna Shastry. The announcement brings well-deserved recognition to the 89-year-old maestro for his lifetime of dedication to this classical art form of coastal Karnataka.
A Legacy Honouring a Legend
The award is instituted by the Sheni Gopalakrishna Bhat Charitable Trust, which has been actively promoting cultural heritage for two decades. It is named in memory of the doyen of Yakshagana, Sheni Gopalakrishna Bhat, often hailed as Yakshagana's Bhishma Haridasa. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on Thursday, adding another significant chapter to the trust's history of celebrating artistic excellence.
The Journey of a Yakshagana Virtuoso
Born in 1936 at Chakrakodi House in Moodambail, Bantwal taluk, Shastry's artistic journey began early. From a young age, he immersed himself in scriptures, mythology, and traditional arts, with Yakshagana evolving from a passion into his life's work. He first entered the field as a bhagavata (singer-narrator) before solidifying his reputation as a distinguished arthadhari (performer who interprets and enacts the narrative) in Talamaddale, the debate-oriented form of Yakshagana.
Shastry's artistry is particularly celebrated for its depth and power. He gained immense fame for his compelling portrayals of powerful female characters from the epics, including Kaikeyi, Amba, Draupadi, Tara, Sita, and Mandodari. His versatility also shone through in iconic male roles such as Rama, Krishna, Dharmaraya, Parashurama, and Arjuna.
Performing with Legends and Accolades
Throughout his illustrious career, Shastry has shared the stage with a galaxy of Yakshagana legends. He has performed alongside greats like Sheni Gopalakrishna Bhat, Malpe Samagadvaya, Perla Krishna Bhat, and Vidwan Kanta Rai, among others. His expertise has earned him a devoted fan base that spans from Bengaluru to Kasaragod.
In recognition of his monumental contribution, Shastry has previously been honoured with several prestigious awards. These include the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award and the Yakshagana Academy Award. A retired teacher, he now leads a quiet life in Belthangady, his legacy firmly etched in the annals of Karnataka's cultural history. The Sheni Award 2025 stands as a fitting tribute to his enduring impact on Yakshagana and Talamaddale.
