Karwar: Veteran Yakshagana artiste Jalavalli Venkatesh Rao (86) of Honnavar passed away on Thursday.

He was suffering from age-related health problems and was admitted to TSS Hospital in Sirsi. He is survived by wife, three sons and a daughter.

Jalavalli Venkatesh Rao had performed in Badaguthittin Gundabal, Goligaradi, Kolagibees, Kamalasheele, Idagunji and other Yakshagana Melas for over 24 years. He was also the lead character for over 20 years in Saligrama Mela and had carved a niche for himself in the Thinkuthitti Suratkal Mela. He was active in the field of Yakshagana for around 60 years and had also bagged Janapada Yakshagana Academy award and also Rajyotsava Award.

Having played the roles of mythological characters like Ravana, Bhima, Shani, Eshwar, Sudarshana and others in his long career in Yakshagana, he had a huge fan following. He was the favourite artist of famous Bhagwat Late Kalinga Navada and had earned fame for his performance with noted artist Late Chittani Ramachandra Hegde.

Having depth in his voice, Venkatesh Rao used to literally bring the character alive on the stage. His son Vidyadhar Jalavalli is also Badathittin artist.

Venkatesh Rao’s last rites will be performed on Wednesday morning, family sources said.