Padmapur: There was a time when opera lovers used to eagerly wait for his arrival on stage. Each of his dialogues would make the audience put their hands together. The area would reverberate with clapping sounds.
Cut to the present scene, he is now selling grocery items to feed his family members.
He is Deepak Kumar Mohanty (Deepu) – a resident of Damodarpur village under Balimed panchayat in Basudevpur block of Bhadrak district.
Bit by acting bug in his childhood days, Deepak had been on the lookout for opportunities. The opportunity came his way in 1998 in form of an offer from Sahani Opera. He was then 23. And, there was no looking back for him.
Thereafter, offers started pouring in for him from different opera troupes. He has worked with Satasankha Opera, Dhauli Opera, Satchidananda Opera, Jatragaon Opera and Rangamahal Opera. In his career spanning 23 years, he has performed several characters. Be it a protagonist or antagonist, he has performed them to a tee.
‘Kie Kacha Puni Kie Kanchan’, ‘Mun Sei Bhadrakia Toka’ and ‘Badadandara Bhikari’ are among some of his well-appreciated plays.
Deepu’s family comprises of four members-his wife, two daughters and him. Till the outbreak of Covid-19, his life was going smooth. The pandemic affected all the sectors, including the opera houses in Odisha. Opera shows weren’t allowed to stop the spread of virus. Being out of work for long made a dent in his little savings.
“It was when Covid-19 situation started improving and government eased restrictions in phases, we the opera artistes were hopeful that opera parties would also be allowed to stage shows. But then came the second wave, dashing all our hopes to the ground. I found it very difficult to run my family. With no option left, I decided to open a grocery shop,” said Mohanty.
“I am more worried about the future of my two daughters. If the restrictions are not lifted, running the family will be a herculean task for me. I request the government to think about the hardships the artistes, technicians and others associated with opera parties are presently undergoing,” he added.
PNN