Overview
- Purushottam Bilimale made the original remarks at a Mysuru book event, claiming many Yakshagana artistes were homosexual and calling such relationships inevitable in troupe life.
- He alleged long touring seasons and male performers in female roles created pressures, including instances of on-stage retaliation when same‑sex advances were refused.
- Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra denounced the statement as an insult to Yakshagana and the Hindu community and called for Bilimale's immediate ouster.
- Speaking to News18, Bilimale said he was referring to conditions in the 1960s–80s, framed his comments as an academic observation, and apologized to artistes if they felt hurt.
- Reports as of now do not note government action, even as the BJP threatens protests and artistes from coastal Karnataka voice anger over the remarks.