Puppeteer
1950s–present
Togalu Gombeyaata (shadow puppetry)
Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara (Born:1929)[1] is a puppeteer from the Koppal district in Karnataka. She is 96 years old. She is performing Togalu Gombeyaata for the last seven decades. Togalu Gombeyaata is a traditional art form which is used for storytelling. This kind of puppetry often narrates stories from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.[2] She has been honored with India's fourth highest civilian award Padma shri from union government of India in the year 2025.[3]
Early life and career
Shillekyathara is a native of Moranala village in Koppal district of Karnataka state.[4] Shillekyathara belongs to a family that has been custodians of Togalu Gombeyaata for over a century. She has also focused on training the younger generation to continue the tradition.[5]
References
- ↑ Governor invites Padma Shri Bhimavva to Meghalaya Raj Bhavan, The Hindu Bureau, The Hindu. The Hindu(2025-02-22). Retrieved 2025-05-07.
- ↑ Who Is Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara, The 96-Year-Old Puppeteer Honored With Padma Shri?, Joshi, Saumya(2025-01-26). Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ↑ Padma awards: 96-year-old puppeteer from Karnataka gets Padma Shri award. Who is she?. Hindustan Times(2025-01-26). Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ↑ 96 Years of Artistry Honored with Padma Shri: Bhimavva Shillekyathara and the Timeless Magic of Togalu Gombeyaata. hindupost.in(2025-05-02). Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ↑ Meet 96-Year-Old Bhimavva Shillekyathara, Kannada puppeteer who was honoured the Padma Shri. Financialexpress(2025-04-29). Retrieved 2025-05-05.