Chittani Ramachandra Hegde Biography 
Chittani Ramachandra Hegde was a Yakshagana artist from Honnavara, Karnataka who lived during 1952-2017. For his contributions towards Indian arts, especially Yakshagana, he was honoured with fourth highest civilian Padma Shri by government of India in 2012, and he was the first Yakshagana artist to receive a civilian honour. He has received numerous state awards during his lifetime. His style of performance is also called Chittani Gharana. He is popularly known as Chittani among his huge fan base. Chittani perfected the Yakshagana performance to such a level that he created a new benchmark for this traditional performing art.
He was born on 14 September 1935 in Honnavara, Uttara Kannada, present day Karnataka. He started his career as a performer of Yakshagana at a tender age of seven. Since then he was fully associated with the field till he passed away in 2017 at the age of 82, dedicating his whole life to promote this traditional art. He practised badaguthittu style of Yakshagana. Initially his parents were against his wish to perform Yakshagana. He initially earned the art from Shivarama Hegde and Kondadakuli Rama Hegde. As a performer he marked his career beginning at the age of 15. He continued performing till a few days before his death dedicating 6 decades to this art form.
He gave up his studies after grade two as he was more interested in performances. He followed Badagu style of Yakshagana where three elements - dialogue, dance and acting are mixed up in the right proportion. Even at his ripe old age, he practised everyday wearing anklets. He is known for his attitude for encouraging other artists. He also created many new characters for his performances.
Published: March 01, 2019
Updated: March 01, 2019
