K Krishnamurty Thunga

K Krishnamurty Thunga is a Yakshagana dancer from coastal Karnataka. He is a stage assistant at the Bal Bhavan by profession. He has been performing for the past twenty years. He began to learn Yakshagana while in fifth standard, from guru M N Madhyastha, who was also his school head master. After his schooling, he joined Udupi Yakshagana Kendra. "I went against my father's wishes to learn Yakshagana. But I knew what I needed" says Krishnamurty.

The Kendra had the Gurukula system, where he lived for two years and completed his course under the guidance of guru Kola Mahabala Karanth and guru Bannanje Sanjeeva Suvarana. He then began to give performances travelling all over the country and Nepal. He came to Bangalore with R Mohan a remarkable dancer and friend. With Mohan's help he joined the Bal Bhavan in Bangalore as a stage assistant. "He is my godfather, and I give him the credit for what I am today" says Krishnamurty.

He follows the 'Badaguthitu' (northstyle) of Yakshagana. Presently Krishnamurty also teaches at 'Yakshadegula'. Yakshadegula is one of the top Yakshagana teaching institutions in Bangalore. The institution does not charge any fees to learn and is run by Mohan and Krishnamurty.

There are students of all categories learning dance in Yakshadegula. "We have special classes on Sundays for the working people, we have doctors who come to learn Yakshagana" adds Krishnamurty. His brother Narshima Thunga also dances with him in all his performances.

Address: 143/73, 6th Cross, # 3rd Block,
Tyagarajanagara, Bangalore - 560 028
Phone: 2661 8225
Mobile (Mohan): 98440 08651

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