Bantwal Jayaram Acharya

Bantwal Jayaram Acharya (12 October 1957 – 21 October 2024) was an Indian classical dancer, stage performer and Yakshagana artist. He was known for having a transformational impact on the art of traditional dance genre Yakshagana by incorporating an element of humour which he continued for over 50 years.

Early life Acharya learnt Yakshagana, a Kannada-based traditional classical dance theatre from his father Bantwal Ganapati Acharya who was also a prominent Yakshagana artist. He grew up watching Talamaddale and Yakshagana performances since his early childhood days which provoked an inner passion in him to follow the classical cultural dance practices and traditions.

Following his death, as a mark of respect to him, a memorial tribute was organised by the Yakshotsava Committee of SDM Law College and Yakshagana at the SDM Law College auditorium on 22 October 2024.