Bargarh Dhanu Yatra finds its new Kansa, Sushil Meher to portray demon king’s role

The search for the new Kansa, the central antagonist of the world-famous Bargarh Dhanu Yatra, has concluded with Sushil Meher being selected for the iconic role. The announcement was made on Tuesday following an intensive audition process at the Bargarh Town Hall. This year, 44 applicants applied for the coveted role. 

Judges evaluated candidates on their acting performance, voice modulation, stage presence, and dramatic intensity. Organisers had earlier clarified that former actors were excluded this year to give fresh talent a fair opportunity.

The selection of other supporting actors, including Mahamantri, Senapati, Chanur, Mushtik, Narad, Devaki, Basudev, and Ugrasen, was completed over the past two days. Today’s session focused exclusively on identifying the most impactful performer to portray the mighty and fearsome King Kansa.

Officials said the final list of all selected artists for the 78th edition of Dhanu Yatra will be announced shortly. With Sushil Meher now confirmed as Kansa, excitement is building across Bargarh as preparations for the world’s largest open-air theatre festival gather pace.

“We have selected Sushil Meher to play the role of Kansa in Dhanu Yatra. There were five judges from different districts. As many as 222 artists participated in the auction for 11 characters,” said Sureswara Satpathy, secretary of Bargarh Dhanu Yatra Mahotsav Samiti.

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“Though the Bargarh stage will be new for Sushil Meher, he has been performing at various stages,” Satpathy added.