Tulasi Hegde, a young talent with a deep-rooted passion for Yakshagana, has been making her mark in the world of traditional Indian performance art over the last decade. She has enthralled audiences with over 800 Yakshagana performances across India, gracing venues that range from pilgrim centers like Tirupati and Dharmasthala to prestigious literary events like Alva’s Nudisiri in Moodbidri, and even captivating audiences in Mumbai.
ABOUT
Tulasi’s mother, Gayatri, recognized her daughter’s early affinity for music, particularly Yakshagana songs. As someone who had cherished Yakshagana since her own childhood, Gayatri sang these traditional songs during her pregnancy with Tulasi. The connection was palpable, as even at just three months old, Tulasi displayed a responsive interest in the art form by reacting when the singing stopped.
Tulasi’s family resides in the lush Malenadu region, nestled 8 kilometers from Sirsi town in Uttara Kannada district along the coastal Karnataka. Despite her extensive involvement in the world of Yakshagana, Tulasi is a dedicated student, currently in the 9th grade at Government Marikamba High School in Sirsi. Her interests extend beyond Yakshagana, encompassing various allied fields such as music, drama, agriculture, and dairy farming. Her versatility is further highlighted by her recognition in a national science-based drama competition.
Tulasi’s dream is to spread the cultural and traditional significance of Yakshagana throughout the country. She cherishes the invaluable experiences of performing alongside Yakshagana legends like Kolagi Keshav Hegde and Vidya Vachaspathi Umkanth Bhat, considering them as precious learning opportunities. Tulasi is deeply grateful to her parents and teachers for their unwavering support, helping her keep up with her studies. Her aspiration is to continue her exploration of the world of Yakshagana and ultimately pursue a doctorate in this art form.
Recognizing this budding talent, Gayatri began teaching Tulasi Yakshagana dances as soon as she could stand on her own. Tulasi’s rapid grasp of the intricate dance form exceeded her parents’ expectations, a testament to her innate passion and dedication to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Yakshagana.
