Tulsi Raghavendra Hegde Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Yakshagana is a traditional Indian dance-drama that involves music, dialogue and elaborate costumes. With origins in the 16th century, it is popular in Karnataka.

Tulsi Raghavendra Hegde may be just 15 years old, but she already knows a thing or two about the art. Tulsi, who made her debut at the age of three, has already performed over 800 shows across India, receiving over 40 awards from leading cultural institutions, apart from impressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

His latest honor was in Chennai, where he was given the Young Achiever Award 2024 by the Rotary Club of Madras East. “It inspires me. These are indicators that I am on the right track,” says Tulsi over a phone call from Sirsi in Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka.

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Tulsi, born in December 2009, had heard the verses of Yakshagana when she was in her mother’s (poet Gayatri Raghavendra’s) womb. “When I used to cry as a child, my mother would recite verses to put me to sleep. I grew up listening to it,” recalls Tulsi.

Later, when she was old enough to go to school, she would sometimes stay up all night watching performances, and gradually became interested in becoming a performer.

So, what attracted him to this particular art? “There was acting, singing, dancing and speaking… it has all these elements. There are colorful clothes also. All this was very fascinating to me.”

Tulsi Raghavendra Hegde Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Tulsi, who is currently in class ten, apart from her studies, has a busy schedule which mainly includes performing Yakshagana at several places in Karnataka. “Before any performance, makeup usually takes about two hours. During that time, I listen to the songs being played, which helps me prepare and get ready for the performance,” says Tulsi, adding that the costume weighs around 15 kg.

While she usually performs on stories related to Lord Krishna’s childhood, this solo artist also focuses on spreading the message of world peace through her work. “These acts also demonstrate the richness of our culture. I believe that Yakshagana takes us to our roots.

Tulsi performs on songs in Kannada and urges people to follow the performance to understand the culture and language better. “All the words used in Yakshagana are pure Kannada words. There is no other language facility in it. Pursuing this art also helps Kannada progress,” she says.

Tulsi still hasn’t decided what subjects she wants to pursue in high school and college, but she is firm on one thing: her association with Yakshagana will continue. “I hope to carry on with this till my last breath.” And this statement, for a 15-year-old kid, stems from some experiences on stage. “After a few performances, the audience in Uttara Kannada wants to hug me. Some people even fall at my feet thinking that I am Lord Krishna. Those moments are very touching.”