Sushil Meher Steps Aside as King Kansa in Baragarh Dhanu Yatra, Cites Mental Distress
Bargarh: In a significant development ahead of the next edition of the globally renowned Baragarh Dhanu Yatra, veteran actor Sushil Meher has announced a one-year break from portraying the iconic character of King Kansa.
The decision has sparked widespread discussion among devotees and followers of the cultural extravaganza.
According to reports, Sushil Meher submitted a letter to Aditya Goyal, Collector of Bargarh and President of the Dhanu Yatra Mahotsav Samiti, informing authorities about his decision to step away from the role for the upcoming festival.
The actor reportedly cited mental distress arising from controversies surrounding his performance and public discussions linked to the role.
As a result, he has chosen to take a temporary break from participating in the event.
The absence of Sushil Meher, who has become closely associated with the character of King Kansa in recent editions of the festival, presents a major challenge for organisers.
They will now need to identify a suitable replacement to portray one of the most celebrated characters in the open-air theatrical festival.
The next edition of Baragarh Dhanu Yatra, recognised as one of the world’s largest open-air theatre festivals, is scheduled to be held from January 12 to January 22, 2027.
Organisers are expected to initiate the process of selecting a new actor to ensure the continuity of the event’s rich tradition and cultural appeal.
The development has drawn attention across Odisha, as the portrayal of King Kansa remains one of the most anticipated aspects of the annual festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from across the state and beyond.
