‘Dance was on organisers' instructions’: Nisha Maharana breaks silence amid arrest speculation

Amid speculation of Nisha Maharana's arrest, the item dancer has given her first reaction to OTV on Thursday.

Responding to the case registered by the Bolangir police, Nisha clarified that she has not committed any wrongdoing in the incident. Nisha stated that she performed strictly as per the instructions of the organising committee. 

According to Nisha, if she does not follow the committee’s directions, she will not be paid. She stated that she danced on the committee’s instructions in Bolangir in the presence of everyone concerned. She further said that she would reveal in court whose presence the dance took place, but not at this moment.

Questioning the selective action against her, Nisha said that if such dances are to be banned, they should be banned in Odisha completely. She stated that action should be taken against everyone, instead of her.

Notably, Nisha allegedly performed an obscene dance at the Yatra Durga Mandir in Chandanbhati on January 12. Following this, several people lodged complaints against her. In connection with the case, the police have arrested two organisers identified as Surendra Nag and Radheshyam Meher.

Also Read: Nisha Maharana to be ‘arrested’ for obscene dance in Odisha

"I was invited to the show, and I danced as per the instructions of the committee members. I have not received any notice or call from the police station in this regard so far. The committee members held by the police have been released. I have not performed as per my wish; I was invited for the show. Maybe the SDO of Chhattisgarh was sitting in the front row. Even some police officials were present during my performance. They had invited me to the performance. I also danced in the presence of all in Bolangir. I don't know the name of the officials. I danced as per the instructions of the committee members and I have not committed any wrongdoing. An investigation should be initiated to find out who was present there," said Nisha Maharana.

"If a ban is to be imposed, then the ‘item’ dance should be banned. I have no objection to that. Dancing has been my means of livelihood, and if it is banned, I will look for alternative ways to earn a living. If item dance is considered unsuitable for Odia culture and if youngsters are being misguided by obscene performances, then a total ban should be implemented. However, it is unfair that action will be taken only against me. If any action is to be taken, it should apply equally to all item dancers. Often, if I do not perform according to the instructions of the organising committees, I am denied payment, and there is also a risk of being attacked. I will fully cooperate with the police. I am a professional dancer, and I have not committed any mistake," she added.