Rift between jatra artistes and owners widens in Odisha

The popular Jatra theatres in Odisha are embroiled in tensions as the rift between artistes and theatre owners has further widened. 

Theatre proprietors have reportedly issued a stern warning demanding an apology from the artistes, cautioning that they may face exclusion from future performances if they don't beg apology on Friday.

Allegations of Disrespect

The feud escalated following claims made by Jagat Jeevan Panda, manager of Parbati Gananatya and Rajdhani Opera. He accused Bapi Panda, an advisor to the Jatra Artistes' Association, of showing disrespect to the jatra party owners. The jatra party owners collectively insist on an apology from Bapi Panda.

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"Artistes are dependent on jatra party owners. What will the artists do if there are no owners? Nobody can stop the jatra culture in Odisha," said Jagat.

Union Dispute

The jatra party owners further claimed that while the conflict regarding actor Nari Panda progresses towards resolution, the artistes' union's interference is exacerbating the dispute.

In response, Bapi Panda said, "Some jatra party owners are not even giving payment to the artistes, and they have no right and capacity to threaten the artistes. Even a lady actor of that party has alleged that her payment has not been cleared."