The cultural landscape of Odisha is facing a sudden casting vacuum as Sushil Meher, the noted actor portraying the mythological tyrant King Kansa, has decided to take a one-year break from the role at the world-famous Baragada Dhanu Yatra.
Meher officially submitted his withdrawal letter to Baragada Collector Aditya Goyal, who also serves as the president of the Dhanu Yatra Mahotsav Samiti. In his communication, the actor cited mounting mental distress caused by the intense controversies surrounding his performance as the primary reason for his temporary exit.
With the globally renowned 11-day open-air theatrical festival scheduled to take place from January 12 to 22, the festival organisers now face the urgent task of selecting a new Kansa actor to command the streets of Mathura. Stakeholders are currently weighing options to ensure the historic traditions of the festival proceed without a hitch.
