Shivananda Hegde

🪔 About

Keremane Shivananda Hegde is a distinguished Indian classical dance figure, primarily renowned for his mastery and contributions to Yakshagana, a traditional folk theatre form from Karnataka. Born into a lineage of celebrated Yakshagana artists, he was introduced to the art form at the age of 12, receiving guidance from his illustrious grandfather, Late Shri Keremane Shivarama Hegde, and father, Late Shri Keremane Shambhu Hegde. Beyond his deep roots in Yakshagana, Hegde pursued a Diploma in Choreography under the tutelage of the esteemed Guru Dr. Maya Rao. As part of this comprehensive training, he also learned Kathak and various other Indian folk dances, including Chhau Dance of Seraikala and Manipuri Marital Dances. His career has seen him tour extensively across India with prominent troupes such as the Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography, Bangalore, Natya Ballet Centre, and Indian Revival Group, New Delhi. He has performed Yakshagana, Kathak, and other forms in numerous countries, including the USA, England, Sri Lanka, France, Spain, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippine, Laos, and Myanmar. Shivananda Hegde currently serves as the Director of the Shri Idagunji Mahaganapati Yakshagana Mandali, Keremane®, an institution founded by his grandfather in 1934. He also oversees the "Srimaya Yakshagana Kala Kendra" (also known as "Srimaya Kalakendra" or "Shreemaya Ranga Shikshana Kendra"), a Yakshagana Training Center located in Gunavante, Honnavar Taluk, Karnataka, where he trains numerous students. His innovative projects, such as 'Aatave Pata' and 'BHASAM', aim to expand the horizons of Yakshagana. He is also the organizer of the 'Keremane Shambhu Hegde National Dance Festival'. Hegde has received numerous accolades for his contributions to traditional arts, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2024. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Puraskar) (2024), Honorary Doctorate (Gaurava Doctorate) (2026), Kala Sangataka Award (2026), Dr. Shivarama Karanta Prashasti (2025), Outlook Responsible Tourism, Culture & Heritage Awards (2025), Dirshti Award (2025), Vishwanath Samskruti Award (2023), Nadoja Shri H.L.NageGowda JANAPADA SHREE Award (2022), The Dakshina Chitra Virudu (2020), Ajitashri National Award for lifetime achievement (2018), Kusumashri award (2018), Huklamakki Award (2017), Aryabhata International Award (2015), Yaksharaja Award (2015), Kuvempu Deepa Prashasti (2015).