Fresh controversy surrounds Piyush Tripathy as jatra actor challenges owners' association

The jatra industry in Odisha is abuzz once more with news surrounding popular actor Piyush Tripathi. The Jatra Owners' Association recently announced that it would soon determine Piyush's future within the industry. 

In response, Piyush has issued an open letter to the association, boldly challenging them to make a decision within seven days. Should they fail to communicate a clear verdict, he states that he will align himself with another party of his choosing.

Despite taking a year-long hiatus, Piyush recently graced the stage at the Singhavahini akhada at Baliapala in Balasore, performing during the final rehearsal of the drama 'Bholashankar'. In his letter, Piyush seeks transparency from the association regarding his participation and future engagements.

Piyush's correspondence reveals discontent with the association's stance on artists moving between different parties without adhering to its decisions. He has openly committed to joining the Singhavahini jatra troupe for a five-year term beginning in 2026-27, yet his recent statements suggest his loyalty may be conditional.

"Piyush will remain with the Singhabahini jatra party. However, I will not be able to tell the exact time for it. If somebody has made a mistake, they must do penance for it. However, if an artiste doesn't enjoy freedom after the period of his penance ends, it is not acceptable," said Singhabahini Jatra Party owner Sanjeev Padhy.

"He (Piyush) has written a letter to the secretary and the president of the Jatra Party Owners' Association. He has written many things in the letter and requested to hold a meeting. The president and the secretary will eventually respond to the letter," said Prasannajit Nayak, a member of the Jatra Party Owners' Association.

In his letter, without taking names, Piyush has indirectly mentioned several notable figures within the association, like 'Surjya Mandira' party owner Pramod Swain, the artist couple Kahna and Tiki, and actress Namita Bhuyan, querying alleged inconsistencies in rules applied to different members.

"I was in contract with the Singhabahini Jatra Party for five years from 2024 to 2030. I will work for them during the period," said Piyush.

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"The Jatra Party Owners' Association will decide about Piyush's future in 2026-27. We will decide about it following a discussion," said Jatra Party Owners' Association president Bharat Bhusan Deo.

Under the circumstances, the jatra community in Odisha keenly anticipates the association's response to Piyush's forthright ultimatum.