You joined jatra in 1994 when you were quite young. What changes have you witnessed in the industry and the audience in these two decades?

We now depend a lot on technology. Sound and lights now play a greater role in creating the ambience and shaping the mood of the viewers. Earlier, we depended more on good stories to hold the audience. Dependence on technology certainly has had its effect. From an artist’s point of view, we are seeing a downward trend when it comes to maintaining a standard. Only a few jatra parties have been able to maintain a good standard. The level of acting has deteriorated to some extent. But, what can you do? You cannot ignore technology. Yet I must say that despite the mushrooming of TV entertainment channels and release of more Hindi and Odia fims in the recent years, jatra continues to be the most popular medium of entertainment in the state.

If you go back beyond 90s, men used to play the role of women… 

Things have changed completely. Jatra now offers money and respect. There is no dearth of women actors. So, men no longer need to play the roles of the other sex. Come and see jatras anywhere in the state — either in Khandagiri or elsewhere — you will see  the difference and realise how lively the jatra atmosphere is. 

But, you are showing record dance and melody that, some believe, is distasteful and just to attract people…

Record dance and melody are an integral part of jatra. People come to the show to forget their worries and anxieties. If we are not able to entertain them, we will be failing in our duty. Many people come just to watch record dance by purchasing tickets ranging from Rs 150 and Rs 200. We cannot remove this (record dance and melody).

But there are allegations that what you show sometimes in the name of record dance is sheer obscenity… 

We are catering to the demands of the people. No jatra can survive by ignoring the demands of the darshak (audience).  At the beginning of my career, I was also a record dancer. At that time, there was no obscenity. Spectators are our gods and we have the responsibility to satisfy them. One should remember that they are paying to watch us. Jatra tickets are costlier than cinema tickets. So our responsibility to entertain the audience gains all the more importance. Why don’t you people raise your voice against the vulgarity depicted in movies and television serials? By no stretch of imagination are they less vulgar than jatra dances. 

Do you think jatra is as glamorous today as the film industry?

Jatra has glamour, but it should not be compared with cinema because it’s a different medium altogether. Here, you get to see the actors performing live and can connect with them, which is not the case with cinema. It’s all reel life, far removed from real life. Cinema is more like a case of distant drums sounding sweet.

Have you ever thought of stepping into films and television serials? 

I have acted in a television serial. But we have no time for these things. When people from other streams of entertainment are joining jatra, why should I join their medium? I am very comfortable here. 

How much does a leading actress in jatra make in a year?

We renew our contracts with the troupes every year. Whatever money we get is good enough to live a comfortable life and take care of others.

The issue of casting couch has come to the fore several times. It’s a popular perception that girls are being exploited in jatra. What do you say about this?

These are only perceptions. There is no exploitation here. I can say that girls are safe here and live with dignity. Here in the jatra party, you are under constant watch of a number of people. No one can exploit you.  I had joined jatra when I was very young. I have grown up in this world. No one has exploited me. It depends on the girl. If she wants to be exploited to make quick money and fame, no one can stop it. This happens everywhere. Why are you only pointing fingers at jatra? 

You are married and have a son, but continue playing a lead role. How do you manage this?

Jatra is all about “rupa byabasa” (business of glamour). It depends on how you fit you are, both physically and mentally. I will be there in this entertainment industry as long as the audience want me. 

Women entering the world of jatra were looked down upon for a long time. How did you muster courage enter this field, that too in the 1990s? 

As a kid, I was cute and smart and did many roles in the plays staged at my village. People showered their love and blessings on me. I have a natural inclination for plays. I was upset when I could not do well in the matriculation examination. Since I wanted to do something creative, I contacted one of my relatives, who was attached to a jatra party. He agreed to support me. Without consulting my parents, I joined Jay Durga Gana Natya in my home district Jagatsinghpur. 

It is often said that girls join jatra troupes out of compulsion, especially monetary needs.  Was there any such compulsion for you?

Many girls do come to the jatra world for monetary needs. They want to be independent. But there was no such compulsion for me. Our economic condition was not that bad. My father worked in Calcutta and as I told you, I wanted to do something creative to prove myself. That is why I joined jatra.

You must have faced stiff opposition from your family and the society? 

(Pauses) Yes, my family was ostracised for a long time after I joined jatra. My uncles had stopped coming to our house. People used to make unpleasant remarks about my mother. It was painful. As the pressure mounted, my family relatives even visited me at the jatra group several times to persuade me to leave the group. But I stuck to my decision. My father had insisted that I should return home, but my mother stood by me like a rock. She prevailed upon my father that I had not committed any crime or any sin for which they should be ashamed of. He finally agreed and I continued, a painful journey indeed. 

How do you balance your family and professional life?

Our’s was a love marriage. I decided to tie the knot with Ratikant, who is from my profession. We know each other’s problems and have a perfect understanding.

Are you confined to acting with your husband or do you act with other heroes too? 

I am a professional. Why should I be confined to acting only with my husband? He understands. When I am on stage, I am an artist and I have no problems in acting with anyone. 

Do you find it tough doing a romantic scene with your co-actors, especially in front of your husband?

(Smiles) There is absolutely no problem. This is acting. This should not be mixed with real life. My husband is aware of all these things. I have no problems when he acts with other actresses. We have love and mutual respect for each other. But I can say that there is a “laxman rekha” which I never cross.

Both you and your husband are from the same background. Do you often have arguments on various professional issues… 

(Laughs) We are the best couple in the jatra world. We have no serious difference of opinion. We do argue as husband and wife sometimes. But, these are temporary moments... 

Who is your source of inspiration?

My mother, who tolerated everything for my sake. You will not be able to understand a mother’s mind vis-à-vis her daughter. When it comes to the jatra industry, Mandakini Apa and Dhira Mishra are my sources of inspiration.

STAGE STAR

• Mituna, 36, is a craze in the jatra world
• She hails from Jagatsingpur district and married to co-actor Ratikant, who belongs to Udala in Mayurbhanj 
• lTheir five-year-old son lives with his grandmother, who takes care of his education
• Mituna has worked in more than five troupes and is considered a leading actress in the jatra world 
• Sources say she commands the maximum remuneration and currently works with Konark Jatra group, one of the leading troupes in the state
• She has played the lead role in more than 100 jatras 

WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN HAD YOU NOT BEEN AN ACTRESS?

I had no ambition other than making a mark in a creative field. Perhaps, I could have become a perfect homemaker as my elder sister is. But I wouldn’t like my son to join this profession. I want him to become a doctor.