Kalinga Navada - Career

Career

Born in a Bhagavata family, Navada inherited this art from his father Ramachandra Navada who is well known yakshagana bhagavatha during 60-80's. Learning the art ranging from 'Hoovina kolu', 'jaapu' and 'chchaapu' of Yakshagana, he stepped into this creative art form. Within a brief span he was able to make good tunes, which attracted people. Imbibing the technicalities of music from the veteran Naranappa Uppoor and Ramachandra Navada, Kalinga Navada's talent was much appreciated by his fans and he was a cult hero of yakshagana art. With a proper hold on theatre, Navada innovated new ragas to reduce the monotony and increase the attraction thus bringing a special effect in Yakshagana. With a fusion of new ragas like Revathi, Kalavathi, Chaand, and Bihag with old ones, Navada carved a special place for himself in yakshagana field. He was the Bhagavat in Uppoor's troupe from 1971 to 1976 and in 1977. He joined the Vijayashree Yakshagana Mela of Perdoor and became popular. From 1978, after he joined Saligrama Mela, there was no looking back for him for 13 years till 1990 during which period he reached his peak of success and popularity. At the age of 33, he died in a bike accident.