In a significant achievement for a seasoned performer, actor Sushil Kumar Meher has finally been chosen to portray the iconic demon king Kamsa at the prestigious Bargarh Dhanu Yatra. This selection comes after he spent over twenty years performing the same role in various smaller-scale productions across western Odisha.
A Long-Awaited Breakthrough
The 56-year-old artist from Chichinda village has begun rigorous preparations for the 11-day festival, which is scheduled to commence on December 24 and continue until January 3. Despite his extensive experience, Meher is dedicating 10 to 12 hours daily at a temporary rehearsal space, or 'akhadashala', in a kalyan mandap to perfect his performance for the grand stage.
His connection with the character of Kamsa is deep-rooted. Meher first played the role back in 2004 at Bhatli in Bargarh district. Since then, he has embodied the mythological king in numerous Dhanu Yatras and 'Kamsa Darbar' events during cultural festivals, primarily in the western parts of the state. However, he always considered the Bargarh Dhanu Yatra as the ultimate platform.
The Journey of a Self-Taught Artist
Interestingly, Sushil Kumar Meher is a self-made artist. He never formally trained under a guru. His understanding of Kamsa's life and persona was shaped by mythological lessons from his parents during his childhood. "I never had a guru; I learnt to act as Kamsa by just watching the Kamsa Darbar that used to happen in my village," he recalled. This observational learning formed the foundation of his craft, which he has honed over decades.
The Bargarh Dhanu Yatra is renowned as the world's largest open-air theatre. While similar festivals occur on a smaller scale in other parts of western Odisha, including Bhatli, the Bargarh event holds a unique stature. Meher's persistence is evident in the fact that he auditioned for 15 different editions of the yatra before finally securing the coveted role this year.
Beyond the Stage: A Platform for Civic Issues
For Meher, this opportunity is not just about theatrical performance. He plans to leverage the platform to address several civic concerns of Bargarh. During the festival, local administrators and politicians traditionally attend the performances. Meher intends to engage with them directly to highlight and discuss pressing public issues, adding a layer of social advocacy to his artistic endeavor.
The story of Sushil Kumar Meher is a testament to perseverance and passion for traditional art forms. His journey from village performances to the grandest stage of Bargarh Dhanu Yatra encapsulates the spirit of regional theatre and its enduring cultural significance in Odisha.
