Chittani Ramachandra Hegde facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chittani Ramachandra Hegde
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| ಚಿಟ್ಟಾಣಿ ರಾಮಚಂದ್ರ ಹೆಗಡೆ | |
Chittani Ramachandra Hegde
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| Born | 1 January 1933 Honnavara, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, India
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| Died | 3 October 2017 (aged 84) Manipal, India
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| Nationality | Indian |
| Honours | Padma Shri Award |
Chittani Ramachandra Hegde (born January 1, 1933 – died October 3, 2017) was a famous Yakshagana artist from Honnavara, Karnataka. Yakshagana is a traditional folk theatre art from Karnataka, India. It combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, and makeup. Chittani was the very first Yakshagana artist to receive the prestigious Padma Shri Award from the Government of India. This award is one of the highest civilian honors in India.
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Who Was Chittani Ramachandra Hegde?
Chittani Ramachandra Hegde was a true legend in the world of Yakshagana. He was the first artist in this art form to win the famous Padma Shri award. Many people in Karnataka also gave him other awards. His unique way of performing was so popular that it became known as the Chittani Gharana. A "Gharana" is like a special style or school of art, often passed down through families or teachers.
Chittani started his Yakshagana journey when he was very young, at just 7 years old. He even left school when he was in second grade to focus on his art. By the time he was 14, he was already performing in main roles. He continued to perform on stage for many decades, right up until a few days before he passed away in October 2017. He was from the Uttara Kannada district and was simply known as "Chittani" by his many fans.
A Life Dedicated to Yakshagana
Chittani Ramachandra Hegde was born in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. He practiced the badaguthittu style of Yakshagana. This style is known for its strong movements and detailed costumes. Even though his family was not keen on him becoming a performer, he started giving Yakshagana shows at the age of 15. He kept acting until he was 83 years old, just before his death.
Chittani worked incredibly hard to make his Yakshagana performances perfect. People often say he was the best example of what you can achieve with dedication and effort. He performed Yakshagana all over India and even in other countries. He was known for performing better than many younger artists, even in his old age. His long experience on stage helped him master even the toughest and most energetic characters in the art form. Even the famous Kannada cinema actor, Dr. Rajkumar, praised Chittani's talent.
Chittani's Special Style of Yakshagana
When people think of the Badaguthittu style of Yakshagana, Chittani Ramachandra Hegde is one of the first names that comes to mind. The Badagu style brings together dialogue, dance, and acting. When these three parts are balanced perfectly, the character being played truly comes alive. This style gives artists a lot of freedom to develop their characters. Yakshagana offers a huge "canvas" for characters to be real and expressive.
Chittani wore special anklets on his feet for dancing and spent more than sixty years of his life dedicated to Yakshagana. He knew nothing else but this art. Even when he was very old, not a single day felt complete unless he tied his anklets and danced. Chittani was also known for being kind and supportive, especially to other artists.
He grew up listening to the sounds of the Chande and Maddale, which are traditional drums used in Yakshagana. This art form is very active throughout the year in North and South Canara and Shimoga districts. Chittani was influenced by this environment from childhood. He left his studies after second grade and spent all his time learning and perfecting Yakshagana. He learned many secrets of the art from different groups and artists, like Shivarama Hegde and Kondadakuli Rama Hegde. Soon, Chittani became good enough to play the main roles.
Any group that Chittani joined never had to worry about their shows. All their performances were sold out when Chittani was on stage. It's fair to say that Chittani was like the only "box office hero" in the history of Yakshagana, meaning he was the biggest crowd-puller.
His Famous Characters
According to his fans, Chittani didn't just play characters; he made them his own. Some characters he played became famous because of him. These include:
- Bhasmasura from Bhasmasura-Mohini
- Kaurava from Gadhayudda
- Arjuna and Sudhanva from Sudhanvarjuna
- Keechaka
- Jarasandha
- Karthaveeryarjuna
- Dushtabuddhi
- Maghagada
- Kamsa
- Kaladara
- Rudrakopa
He grew with the characters he played, and the characters also grew with him. Chittani was truly an entertaining artist.
His performances attracted many fans, including famous Kannada actors like Dr. Raj Kumar, Uday Kumar, and Sreenath. Uday Kumar, who was known for playing negative roles, would attend all-night Yakshagana shows in Bengaluru just to study Chittani's expressions. Some of the expressions used by Yakshagana artists today are even named after Chittani.
Mantapa Prabhakara Upadhya, another Yakshagana artist, said that Chittani taught him to be humble and to respect everyone, even those who bought the cheapest ticket for a show. Upadhya shared that Chittani once told him, "One should put on makeup as if it was one's last performance." This was a deep lesson he learned from Chittani.
Chittani's portrayal of the character Bhasmasura on stage was truly amazing. His greatest strengths were his dancing and acting skills. His ability to show anger, love, or fear made him stand out. His two sons, Subramanya Chittani and Narasimha Chittani, are now following in their father's footsteps and continuing the art.
First Padma Shri Award for Yakshagana
Chittani Ramachandra Hegde was the first Yakshagana artist to receive the highly respected Padma Shri award. He humbly dedicated this award to the entire art form of "Yakshagana."
Awards and Recognition
Chittani received many important awards for his contributions to Yakshagana:
- Padma Shri award in 2012, from the Government of India.
- K. Shivaram Karanth award in 2009.
- Janapadashri Award in 2004.
- Keremane Shivarama Hegde Award in 2013.
- Rajyotsava Prashasti award in 1991.
- Karki Venkataramana Shastri Suri Award in 2009.
- Aryabhata International Award for his huge contribution to Yakshagana.
- Astana kalavida Prashasti in 2009 from Udupi Krishna Matt.
Admirers and Legacy
Every year, Chittani's fans organize "Chittani Yaksha Sambhrama" in Mangalore. This is a week-long series of Yakshagana performances held in his honor, celebrating his life and art.
Death
Chittani Ramachandra Hegde became ill with pneumonia on September 29, 2017. He sadly passed away on October 3, 2017, at Manipal Hospital.
Images for kids
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President Pratibha Patil presents Padma Shri to Ramachandra Subraya Hegde Chittani at Padma Awards ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New-Delhi (2012)
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- Chittani Ramachandra Hegde Photos
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Shri.Chittani Ramachandra Hegde as Sudhanva
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Shri.Chittani Hegde as kaurava (Padya-Ninneye balu yenu) -Yakshagana
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Shri.Chittani Ramachandra Hegde with bhagwat-Shri. G.R.Kalinga navuda
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Shri.Chittani Hegde receiving Aryabhata International award by Aryabhata cultural Organization for immense contribution in field of Yakshagana
