Fresh turmoil rocks Odisha jatra industry: Actor Kahna and owner Sanjib Padhi lock horns

A fresh controversy rocked Odisha’s vibrant jatra industry as disputes over artist payments and party switching have escalated further. 

Following the high-profile fallout between actor Piyush Tripathy and owner Sanjib Padhi, the spotlight has now shifted to a new face-off involving popular actor Kahna Swain, his actress wife Tiki, and jatra troupe owner Sanjib Padhi.

Tensions flared after Kahna and Tiki reportedly exited the ‘Singhabahini’ jatra troupe and joined another jatra party, Srimandir despite taking an advance of Rs 20 lakh. Although they returned Rs 18 lakh, the remaining Rs 2 lakh has become a point of contention. Owner Sanjib Padhi has demanded that the duo be banned for a year for breaching their agreement.

Kanha's allegations

In retaliation, Kahna has levelled serious allegations against Padhi, accusing him of attempting to dismantle Odisha's old parties that have been carrying the jatra heritage in the state for more than six decades. He also alleged that Padhi even tried to kill him along with some other artistes. 

"He (Padhi) chased me for three years, and I didn't chase him for three years. He has also admitted it. If he chased me for three years, how could he ban me by giving me a job for only one year? Did he create me as an artist? The hearts of the artistes need to be won," said Kanha.

Must Read: Odisha jatra controversy continues: Several artists left stranded with alleged unpaid dues

"Kanha and Piyush can't remain in one party. It's a kind of sponsored programme. Have you ever heard Sanjib Padhi telling a lie?" said Padhi.

More allegations 

The Jatra Owners’ Association has so far remained silent on the issue. However, Surjya Mandir jatra troupe owner Pramod Swain has come forward, accusing Sanjib Padhi of trying to poach artistes from his troupe despite valid contracts. 

Swain also expressed concern over the suspension of actor Piyush Tripathy, stating that it caused substantial damage to his troupe, as they had already scheduled performances featuring Piyush. Earlier, Tripathy had been barred for one year after taking advances from two troupes and failing to fulfil commitments.

"When Sanjib Babu made a party last year, he took artistes from other parties against the wish of the owners. They also took five to six artistes from my Swapna Mahal party, and I couldn't do anything. They have brought Surjya Mandir down. We have an agreement with Piyush for two years, and I would have kept him. It's because of the jatra party union that we had to suffer. Why did the artiste tell to take a rest for one year?" asked Pramod Swain.

This isn’t the first time Sanjib Padhi has been mired in controversy. Jatra manager Bankim Swain had previously referred to him as 'Kala Pahada ' of the industry. With the latest dispute involving Kahna, Tiki and Padhi, Odisha’s jatra scene finds itself once again engulfed in another high drama—off-stage.