Jatra Artiste Dama Panda Set To Hog Big Screen Soon

Balasore: Jatra artiste Damodar Panda, popularly known as Dama Panda will be seen in Ollywood movies soon.

The shooting of his maiden Odia film Mo Aakhira Tara’was completed on Wednesday and it is expected to be screened in the theatres during Durga Puja.

“I am very excited about this first movie. I’m also thankful to its producer Nirmala Panda and director-writer Jayanta Rout who had helped me in several ways to act with confidence in this movie. My shooting experience was very good. If I get right movie offers, I will surely accept them and do my best,” asserted Panda.

Having spent in theatres for over 40 years, Panda is excited about his forthcoming film.

“I entered Jatra industry when I was only 20. I won’t be able to take part in stage shows anymore because of my health condition. I cannot work till late at night and deliver dialogues loudly,” he revealed.

“There is a huge difference between acting in Jatra and in movies. However, the producer and director are happy with my work,” claimed Panda.

“Audiences used to appreciate my performance on stage and now they will get to see me in cinema theatres. We have to entertain them, by all means. I seek their blessings too. They should not forget me,” said Panda.

“One more movie is on my way. It’s Budhhasrama, shooting of which will begin October 9. Besides, I have one more film in the offing,” informed Panda.

“During COVID pandemic time, I had opened a grocery shop which I will never close. That helped me when I did not have any work,” he said.

Notably, Panda’s last Jatra was Sachidananda Gananatya’s ‘Mahabharata Ra Arjuna’ in 2018. Some of his popular Jatras include Akash Vani Cuttack, Aji Rabibara, Kacheri Band, Maa Kande Luchi Luchi and many more.