post news network
Bhubaneswar, July 22: The portrayal of an anguished father stood out in a play staged at Rabindra Mandap Friday. The character was played by Upendra Pati and it made the play ‘Kapala Ra Lekha’ more special for the audience.
The play was staged at the annual function of the state water resources department and 14 artistes of the cultural association formed the cast. The play was written by Ranjit Kumar Nayak and Santosh Kumar Mohanty directed it.
Upendra played the lead role as Sadashiva Pradhan, a poor, suffering father. Sadashiva has two sons for whose upbringing and education he spends all his money. But his elder son Bijay became a murderer and his younger son leaves him influenced by his wife.
Sadashiva and wife Kamala are left alone and he contracts a fatal disease. To obtain some money for his treatment, Kamala decides to donate her organs. However, things change for the better after Bijay returns from jail. He donates his organs, instead, to get his father treated.
For Upendra, the character of Sadashiva, reminded him of his own father. “My father was a good man. He invested all his money on my education but I was stubborn. I never obeyed him. I realised how pained he must have been and his concern for me when he died. I opt to portray such characters as a tribute to my father,” he said.
He recalled the incident that had changed his life. “I had started drinking when I was 25. One day I was drinking inside the bathroom when my father stepped in. He told me I should choose a path that won’t bring disrepute to the family, and I reformed myself,” he said.
Upendra, who is now employed with the water department, is also a television artiste. He has played comedians and social workers. “I have played a light role in the serial ‘Dr MBBS’ on MBC channel. I have also acted in negative role in ‘Luha Bhija Atita’,” the artiste said.
A member of Parampara theatre for 11 years, Upendra has also acted in more than 100 plays. “Acting is my passion My wife also supports me in this field,” Upendra added.