Bhubaneswar: The controversy surrounding Odia film star Manoj Mishra turned murkier as he rebuffed actor Anubhav Mohanty’s allegation of creating a division in Ollywood.
In a video release on Wednesday, Anubhav had said he has been respecting Manoj as an elder brother and a senior actor in the industry. But he was pained to know that Manjo was creating factionalism in the industry.
Taking a strong exception to Manoj’s alleged instigation to boycott film ‘Ram’ in Sambalpur due to his personal strife with actor Jitu Mangaraj, who is featured in the film, Anubhav said, “I love the people, songs, dresses and actors of Sambalpur. Though I belong to Cuttack, I have respect for the culture of Sambalpur. Please do not divide our industry with the narrow regional feeling.”
He further said he was aware of the differences between Jitu Mangaraj and Manoj Mishra but had kept quiet to prevent the matter to escalate. “At the same time, I have come to know that you (Manoj) is trying to create fictions among Arindam, Babushan and myself. It is deplorable. Such machinations will not only spell doom for your career but also pose problems for our film industry,” he added.
In his response to Anubhav’s statements, Manoj reiterated that he had no role in boycott of ‘Ram’ in Sambalpur. “I have never made any attempt knowingly or unknowingly to create any division in the industry. I respect all actors and am willing to make films with them.”
On personal note, Manoj said before the release of his film “Mind Game”, he had called up Anubhav and Arundam to attend its first show. But neither of them responded. “Even today, I want to act in a film with you (Anubhav). Let us forget the petty difference among us and join hands to strengthen our industry and take Odia film to national and international level,” he said in the video release.
It may be noted that ‘Ram’, which was released in the state on October 20, was unable to be screened at any cinema halls in Sambalpur as some supporters of Manoj staged a demonstration against the film. Manoj was suspected to have engineered the demonstration due to his personal strife with Jitu Mangaraj.
Following this, Utkal Cine Chambers of Commerce (UCCC) held a meeting and decided to put a ban on Manoj in their upcoming movies for next two years.
Also Read: Actor Manoj Mishra Denies Telling Fans To Boycott Odia Film ‘Ram’
