Udupi: Tulu theatre artist and founding member of the Kapu Rangataranga troupe, Sujith Shetty Padur (54), passed away on April 3.

He was known for his performances in comedy and socially relevant roles, earning appreciation from audiences. He was one of the founding members of the Kapu Rangataranga Kalavidaru troupe, led by K. Leeladhar Shetty, and had earlier served as its coordinator, managing the group’s activities.

Sujith Shetty had been away from acting for some time due to illness.

Several leaders and members of the theatre community expressed condolences. Among them were MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, former MLA Lalaji R. Mendon, JD(S) district president Yogish Shetty Balaji, and others associated with the Tulu theatre field.

He is survived by his wife Shashiprabha Shetty, a former Kapu taluk panchayat president, and a daughter.