The state crime branch had recently called you for questioning in connection with the Sarathi baba case. Did you take any favour from the self-styled spiritual leader?

His followers had approached me to make some bhajan videos for him. According to the agreement, I was to get Rs 8,000 for every episode. I agreed to do the job as I thought I would get the huge followings of Sarathi baba as my fans. I have done nothing wrong. I am yet to get nearly Rs 30,000 from Sarathi baba for my work. Before I could get my money, all hell broke loose and he was put behind bars.

Don’t you find anything wrong with him? He has played with the sentiments of people and cheated them in the name of religion. 

What sentiment are you talking about? We have allowed him to exploit us. He does the magic tricks — honey dripping from his feet and you follow him. We have seen the film, Oh My God and then came PK, but we never learnt anything. Apart from these films, Babaji, a play written by Jagamohan Lala 40 years ago, depicts the difference between a mahanta baba (fake) and a sadhu baba (genuine). Did we learn anything? It’s good. Let all these things be destroyed and new things come up. I am yet to understand why there is such a hullabaloo over Sarathi baba. No one in the media is talking about those who have looted crores from mines that belong to the people of the state. 

Don’t you repent for having lent your acting talents to promote Sarathi baba? 

Why should I feel ashamed? Bruti ye mo poshe kutumba (This is my profession to earn livelihood).  I need a medium to showcase my art and earn livelihood to manage my family. But if you consider that by taking our help, he has become popular and has amassed wealth, I have nothing to say. Let me make it clear that I have not done anything wrong. 

Don’t you repent joining a profession that has not been able to give you enough money to lead a decent life? 

Why should I? Everyone is earning. Why should I not? There are many modes of entertainment and I am fit for acting in all these media — be it jatra, theatre or cinema. But though I have done a lot of work, you still have to beat your own drum saying: ‘I am a good actor, please take me.’ 

Why did you join this profession when finding any other job would have been easier? You could have got a government job…

When I was a student, my father used to tell me that he had shouldered the responsibility of his family when he was only 19. Even with that responsibly, he and his brother Kirtan Bihari Mohanty (who was a nominated member to the Assembly between 1946-52), joined the freedom struggle and made a name for themselves. My father used to tell me to do something for which people would remember me even after my death.  After passing my intermediate in science, I came to attend an Air Force interview, which was to be held near Biju Patnaik’s house (Naveen Nivas). There I came across a display board of the Utkal Sangeet Natak Mahavidyalaya, the government music college. It changed my decision. I looked at Biju babu’s house — I thought I would never become a neta (politician).  I decided to become an abhineta (actor) instead of a neta — an easier job. 

Do you see any difference in acting in the 1980s and the 21st century? 

The technology has changed. An easy-going (chalta hai) attitude has gripped every one. No one needs excellent work. At that time, there was celluloid and the actors and directors were serious. Every one tried to get the perfect shot in the first take. Now the director and producer feel any Tom, Dick and Harry can do the job for them. Now for one shot, the director can do 15 takes and think that at least one will be good. They believe — ‘chale yaar isme kaam kardenge (We will make this work)’ — the actors and actresses do not need to be serious. The directors can even take the service of part-time actors.  

But don’t you agree that Odia film-makers have lost their originality and are blatantly copying south Indian and Bollywood films?

If the producer insists he wants a blue print of the picture, which has not even been produced then what will the director and actors do? They get the hint that the producer wants a film that can be dubbed into Odia. The film-makers do not like to experiment with original ideas because ultimately they have to retrieve the money they have invested. So, remakes of hit films have become a foolproof method for them to get back their money. But in my opinion, one should not copy a film frame by frame. There has to be some original content. However, you cannot dictate things.

When will the trend change? 

How can we change the trend when most people don’t even visit theatres? However, I do have hope something good will happen. The media has a great role to play. Once non-professional people are out, things will change. We have noticed how the album Nabama Shrenira Jhiati (Class IX girl makes me mad) hit the market and disappeared soon after. When such things become unbearable, people will bring in change.  

You have acted both in jatra and films. Which genre of acting is tougher? 

Jatra is more challenging because in films, you have the chance to make amends, jatra does not give you this scope. And there you act in front of more than 10,000 people. One wrong step can spoil everything. 

Of late, we have been noticing nudity in the form of rain dance and other forms in the jatra… 

We see nudity in television serials and also in cinema. We don’t object to that. How can the jatra parties compete with them if they don’t follow the trend? (smiles). They need to create an environment that will attract people to the jatra. One is paying money to see jatra for entertainment. It should not fail them. 

Artists are still struggling to make ends meet. Why is it so?

There is little encouragement for them from the audience as well as the government. People are no more taking pride in their culture and art. Cinemas are being converted into cold storages for preserving potatoes. People don’t go to cinemas to see Odia movies. However, some good steps have been initiated with teachers having been appointed in schools to teach dance and drama.

You act in both films and jatras. In terms of remuneration, how are jatra actors paid as compared to film actors? 

Jatra actors are getting good money as compared to the film industry. Many jatra troupes have come up in the last few years. People have shown interest in jatra. Unlike the Odia movies that are mostly dubbed, you find originality in jatra. 

Most jatras and film lack social messages these days…

I beg to differ. We are conveying social messages in different ways. The point is to get people go and watch the film. 

You have been in the profession for the last 30 years. Does the casting couch phenomenon exist in the Odia film and jatra industry? 

I have heard about it. Casting couch probably exists. There are some people who are crazy to become stars overnight. The moment a girl steps into the celluloid world, she needs a car and other accessories. But you need to struggle to rise. If you want easy money, you become a victim of corrupt practices. No one should be blamed for it. Some people will go to any lengths to further their careers. But such people vanish as fast as they arrive. 

Can you say something about yourself in cinema and jatra?  

I have acted as hero, villain and supporting actor. The directors and producers will take a call on the kind of role I should play. I have already acted in a number of jatras including Mu Mantri, Tuu Mora Rakshita (I am minister, you are my kept). My first picture was Kurukshetra and the first jatra I acted in was Bhanga Aiana (Broken Mirror). A new film of mine titled Chini (Sugar) is going to release shortly