A Trailblazer in the World of Yakshagana: Suma’s Inspirational Journey

Last Updated on August 25, 2024

Suma Hegde Gadigehole’s journey is an inspiring example for aspiring artists, especially women, who wish to pursue their dreams in Yakshagana or any other field. Her story demonstrates that with talent, determination, and the support of loved ones, it is possible to break barriers and achieve greatness.

‘Yakshagana’, the lively and ever-changing art form from Karnataka, has captivated crowds worldwide for decades. In the past, men dominated this field, but now talented women artists have started to leave their mark. Suma Hedge Gadigehole stands out among these trailblazers. She’s an exceptional Yakshagana performer from Sirsi Taluk, Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka INDIA. Her path from a small village to performing on global stages shows her commitment love for the art, and the unwavering backing of her family and fellow artists.

A Childhood Steeped in Art

Suma Hegde developed a passion for Yakshagana in life. Her father, the late G. Mahabaleshwar Bhat, excelled as a writer and storyteller inspiring her artistic journey. Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage surrounded her at home igniting her interest in this traditional art form.

Suma’s family’s love for art pushed her to start learning Yakshagana. She began her training at 32 under her teacher, Vidhvan Subray Bhat Gadigehole, in the ‘Kashyapa Pratishtana Mahila Yakshagana Mandali’ Gadigehole. This tough training set the stage for her amazing career in performing arts.

Breaking Barriers

Suma Hegde faced obstacles in her Yakshagana career. Men had dominated this art form so she had to confront social expectations and stereotypes. Yet her skills and persistence stood out. She began performing in her village capturing local crowds with her strong and emotive shows. Her abilities caught attention leading to invitations to perform in big cities like Hubli and Bangalore.

Reaching International Heights

Suma’s commitment to Yakshagana paved the way for her performances on international stages. A standout moment in her career came when she took part in shows in the United States arranged by the USA Kannada Sangha. Performances like “Gadayuddha” and “Kamsavade” resonated with audiences introducing the rich cultural traditions of Yakshagana to people around the world. For Suma, this chance fulfilled a lifelong aspiration. She was amazed to see how an art form from her tiny village had propelled her to such great heights.

Balancing Roles

Besides her fame as a Yakshagana performer, Suma Hegde plays the roles of a loving wife and mother. Her husband Venkatramana Hegde works as a farmer and gives her strong support letting her follow her dream.

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She runs her household and brings up two kids while keeping up with a tough performance schedule. Her son Karthik lives in the USA now with his wife Sneha, who’s also trained in flute adding to the family’s art legacy. Her daughter Ishwarya, studies law in Hubli.

Suma’s daily routine shows how a woman lives in rural India. She wakes up at 5 a.m. to take care of the cattle. She milks them and cleans their field with her husband. Next, she cooks breakfast for the workers who come to the arecanut plantation. On top of these jobs, Suma looks after her garden and plans her day to keep everything on track.

Suma thanks her family for helping her succeed. She says, “My husband supports me and allows me to do what I want. My childhood, family environment, and support gave me the chance to start learning and performing Yakshagana.”

“My trip to the USA to showcase the Yakshagana art form stands out as one of my life’s highlights. In the USA, I brought ‘Ravanavasana’ and ‘Krishnarjuna Kaalaga’ to life, and the audiences loved it. Coming from a tiny village, I never imagined this art form would take me so far.”

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Recognition and Teaching

Suma Hegde’s skill and hard work have won her many awards and widespread appreciation. Her shows have mesmerized audiences, and people across the region have celebrated her input to Yakshagana. A trip to the USA where she was asked to teach Yakshagana, gave her an idea. When she got back to India, she started online classes for American fans. Now, she teaches Yakshagana both in person (in her hometown) and online (for USA students) sharing her love and know-how with her pupils.

A Women’s ‘Yakshagana’ Troupe

Suma Hegde’s biggest success is starting an all-women Yakshagana group – ‘Yakshakala Sangama’. At first, this wasn’t easy, but her dream and drive made it happen. She remembers with pride how women from her area began to join Yakshagana classes one by one. They learned the art form with focus and excitement. This led them to create a performance group that Yakshagana fans now accept and enjoy.

The troupe consists of many homemakers and committed artists such as Sahana V. Joshi, Prema G. Bhat, Jyothi G. Hegde, Kalpana Hegde, Vidya Bhat, Shaila Hegde, Shashikala Bhat, Sunanda Hegde, Usha Hegde, Bharati Hegde, Hemalata Hegde and Usha Hebbar. As a group, they’ve put on many shows challenged stereotypes, and displayed the exceptional skill of women Yakshagana performers.

Support from Gajanan Bhat Tulagere

Suma Hegde and her troupe have benefited from Gajanan Bhat Tulageri, a well-known Bhagavat (Yakshagana singer). As a Himmela, Gajanan Bhat’s musical skills and commitment have helped to improve the shows of Suma Hegde and her group. His backing has played a key role in their achievements offering the musical base that goes hand in hand with their dramatic acts. She also gives special thanks to her Yakshagana dance teacher, Ganapati Bhagwat, who taught her all parts of the dance, including how to express herself.

Inspiring Future Generations

Suma Hegde Gadigehole’s story serves as a beacon for budding artists women, who dream to excel in Yakshagana or other fields. Her journey shows that with skill, perseverance, and backing from family and friends, one can overcome obstacles and reach great heights. Suma keeps performing and championing Yakshagana making sure this age-old art form lives on for generations to come.

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Expanding Horizons

Suma Hegde has played many tough roles from Indian Puranas. She’s taken on parts like Bhasmasura, Bheeshma, Karna, Eshwara, Arjuna, Rama, Krishna, Mahishasura, Ravana, and Dasharatha. She’s appeared on several well-known stages. These include the Karnataka State Level Agri Expo (Krishi Mela), Bharat Yakshagana Bayalaata Utsav, Parisara Yakshagana, Havyaka Mahila Jagatika Samavesh (Havyaka Women’s World Conclave), Mahila Yakshotsva, Mumbai Havyaka Bhavan, Delhi Gokarna Madal, Karnataka Bhavan, and North America’s Kannada Koota.

She has received many awards for her work. These include the state-level ‘Janapada Ratna,’ recognition from California Kannada Koota and Kannada Sangha in America, Adarsha Vanita Samaja, Mumbai Havyaka Welfare, and the Inner Wheels Club in Sirsi, to name a few.

Yakshakala Sangama: A Legacy of Learning

Suma started “Yaksha Kala Sangama,” a group that supports Yakshagana art. The group has put on more than 400 shows in different towns and villages. It pushes women and kids to learn Yakshagana and Taalamaddale. Yakshakala Sangama lets students from 6 to 66 years old join, helping create a fresh group of artists.

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In Sirsi, Suma offers Yakshagana lessons to nurses at Ganesha Netralaya and kids at Prerana institution. She runs summer programs for children too. She showcased the “Navarasaabhivyakti” show to non-Kannada crowds to make the art form easier to understand.

Philanthropic Endeavors

Suma Hegde plays a big role in charity work training and helping different community groups. She got useful advice from Dr. G. L. Hegde Kumata and works with well-known people like Vidvan Umakanth Bhat Kerekai, Shivanand Hegde Keremane, Dr. Vijayanalini Ramesh, Ashok Hasyagara, Vidvan Vinayak Bhat Gaalimane, Ahalya R. Hegde Sirsi, Gajanan Bhat Tulageri, and Gajanan Hegde Kodgadde.

Last Peg

Suma Hegde Gadigehole’s journey from a small village to worldwide recognition shows her solid commitment love for her work, and the backing she got from her family and community. Her life story motivates everyone who wants to chase their dreams and add to their homeland’s cultural legacy.

Picture Credits: Suma Hegde and Yakshakala Sangama