T Narayana Bhatta

Shri. T. Narayana Bhatta
Shri.T.Narayana Bhatta ( Born 1st June 1949 ) is a multi faceted personality from the culturally rich Hosnagar Taluk, Shimoga DIstrict, Karnataka State, India. An acclaimed drama artist whose contributions in the field of Yakshagana and theatre in Karnataka are noteworthy and commendable. A passionate artist who also featured in the well-acclaimed national award winning Kannada movies, Ghatashraddha ( 1977 ) and Bannada Vesha ( 1988 ).He currently is serving in the post of Secretary, Ninasam.
Early Life
Born into a an economically strained brahmin family of five brothers and three sisters, Shri.Narayana Bhatta, lived his childhood with parents and eight siblings. His early life was spent at the Purappemane village, Hosanagar Taluk. In 1972, he completed his graduate studies with the L.B College of nearby Sagar Taluk. As early as his schooling days, he displayed keen interest in dramatics and Yakshagaana. He grew very passionate about Yakshagaana art and attempted to learn the art from local artists. Located closer to the epi-centers of artistic and cultural excellence in Karnataka of Udupi and Sagar, it was conducive to gain exposure from various artists and performers. After completing his under graduate studies, he returned to his native village.
Yakshagana Days
Acclaimed dramatist and writer in Kannada, Shri.K.V.Subbanna, made arrangements for his training of Yakshanaga at the Udupi Kendra. Narayana Bhatta, who always wanted to undertake an academic course in Yakshagaana, joined the Udupi Kendra and learnt Yakshagaana under the guidance of his Guru, Shri.Veerabhadra Nayak. Shri.Veerabhadra Nayak was a national award winning Yakshagana exponent. His formative years at the Kendra helped him gain a strong artistic foundation. The Kendra was under the direction of Shr.Shivram Karanth
After graduating from the Udipi Kendra, he returned to his native town and pursued every opportunity to perform Yakshagaana. He played the lead role in several amateur perfromance and a few anti-hero roles. His Yakshagana performances as Banasura, Maagadha, Kamsa, Veeramani, Kaurava are fresh in the audience’s memory.
Drama Life
After the Yakshagaana studies, he joined Neenasam, a cultural organization located in the village of Heggodu in Sagar Taluk of the Shivamogga district in the state of Karnataka, India. It was,but a natural transition from the dance form of Yakshagaana into dramatics for him. The first play he took part was titled ‘ ‘Soole Sanyasi’ directed by Shri.K.V.Subbana. Yakshagaana was also incorporated in this debut play, and his enactment of the character, Shandilya, was widely accepted by the public. In 1974, he played the lead role of “Sangya” in the musical drama, “Sangya Balya”. This play went on to play for 14 continuos years and was staged over 90 times all over the country. Of the several drama performances he took part in, this one would stand out as his most memorable one. Jokumara Swamy, Shahajahan, Noor Jahan and The Merchant of Venice ( Kannada ) were some of the other notable plays, he took part in. He has performed under the guidance of some of the finest directors in Karnataka theatre circuit of his time, Shri. K.V. Subanna, Shri.Ghasiram Kotwal and Baka.His plays were staged all through the many districts in the state of Karnataka and other part of India.
Career and Agriculture
In 1972, he started his career with the Bheemanakone Branch of the Primary Land Development Bank (PLDB). He has also served with the Sagara branch and Hosanagara Branch, with a total tenure of 32 years. He retired from service, with the bank in the year 2004. After his banking tenure, his focussed his efforts in agriculture. He presently mentors an Acasia nursery, apart from owning and developing areca nut plantations.
Family
Naraya Bhatta is married to Nirmala Bhatta. They have two sons, Sharath Babu and Chandan Babu and live in the Purappemane village of Hosnagar Taluk, Shimoga District, Karnataka.
Movies
Shri.T.Narayana Bhatta was cast in two Kannada movies, Ghatashraddha and Bannada Vesha both directed by Shri.Girish Kasaravalli. Ghatashraddha was an internationally acclaimed, award winning movie.

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