Odia Film Producer Sanlisa Patel Calls Off Hunger Strike On OFDC Chairman’s Assurance

Bhubaneswar: Filmmaker Sanlisa Patel, who was on indefinite hunger strike in Bhubaneswar demanding Odisha government’s support to the entertainment industry in the state since Thursday, called off her agitation following assurance from OFDC chairman on Saturday.

Chairman of Odisha Film Development Corporation (OFDC) Kuna Tripathy went to the dharna spot at Lower PPMG and discussed the issues raised with Sanlisa on the day. Tripathy assured her that he would hold a meeting with the stakeholders on November 28.

Following this, Sanlisa withdrew her hunger strike by taking the fruit juice offered by Tripathy. Actor and MP Anubhav Mohanty had also held a meeting with her at the dharna site.

However, the filmmaker told the media that the dharna would continue till the meeting promised by OFDC chairman. If the issues are not resolved at the meeting, the agitation would be intensified, she added.

Several actors, producers. directors, photographers, scriptwriters and technicians from Odisha film industry had extended their support to Sanlisa and participated in the dharna.

Sanlisa had said she was seeking justice for the film industry and was hopeful that the current problems plaguing moviemaking in the state will be resolved soon. “I faced lots of problem in every phase while making the very first movie of mine. I have written to all departments and associations concerned in this regard. As the emails failed to elicit a response, I decided to stage a dharna to press for my demands,” she said.

It may be noted that the filmmaker reportedly faced opposition during screening of her debut film ‘Pratha’ in Jharsuguda.

Also Read: Debutant Producer Sanlisa Patel Stages Dharna To ‘Save’ Film Industry In Odisha