Folklore expert and writer Huchappa Mastar, 83, passed away in his native Sagar on Wednesday night. He is survived by wife and three sons.
Mr. Mastar was involved with Rangamancha and Ranga Sankula theatre troupes in Sagar. He had scored music and acted in Sangyabalya, Kadlimatti Station Master, and Jokumara Swamy. Hasalaru, Girijana Samskruti, Chandragutti Sri Renukadevi, and Kagodu Chaluvali-50 were some of the books he wrote.
He was honoured with the Rajyotsava award in 1991. Mr. Mastar was recipient of the Ji. Sham. Paramashivaiah award instituted by Karnataka Janapada Academy. He presided over the Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Shivamogga in 2013. He strived to provide access to education for the members of Hasalaru, Gond, and Kudubi communities. He rendered commendable service in popularising Kolata, Hase Chittara and Sampradaya Hadu art forms. Sagar MLA H. Halappa and Karnataka Janapada Academy chairman B. Takappa Kannur condoled the death.