Portraits from Backstage
In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of Yakshagana, I realized that my journey as a photographer had brought me to this exact point - a point where I could blend my passion for storytelling with my love for capturing moments of art and culture. And for that, I am truly grateful.
As I stood backstage, surrounded by the vibrant costumes and sounds of the Yakshagana performance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude. This traditional Indian dance-drama, with its rich history and intricate storytelling, has always held a special place in my heart. And now, finally, I had the opportunity to capture its essence through my lens.
The name Yakshagana itself speaks volumes about the art form - "celestial music". And indeed, as I watched the performers bring to life mythological tales and fantasies, I felt as though I was being transported to another realm. The combination of dance, music, song, and dialogue was mesmerizing, captivating both the audience and myself in a way that is truly unique to Yakshagana.
I thought about the dedicated performers from the Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation trust, who travel across the globe to share this beautiful art form with audiences far and wide. Their commitment to preserving and promoting Yakshagana is truly inspiring, and I felt privileged to be able to document their talent and hard work.
The Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation has shown a commitment to promoting and preserving Indian art forms, particularly Yakshagana. It is recommended that the hosting organization provide ample support and resources to ensure the success of their performances. Additionally, collaborating with local artists and communities can help create a more enriching and culturally diverse experience for audiences. By partnering with the Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation, the hosting organization can further promote the importance of traditional art forms in today's globalized society.
Patla Satish Shetty who has emerged a successful Yakshagana Bhagavatha in Tenkutittu style over the past 15 years. Hailing from a village called Hogenadu in Bantwal taluk, Satish was born to Patla Mahabala Shetty and Lalitha Shetty couple. Satish developed a keen interest in Yakshagana while pursuing his Pre-University course and learnt Yakshagana Bhagavathike
If you are new to Yakshagana, he is the singer who has sung Kelecheluve song from Rangitaranga Movie in Kannada