Only a handful of Odia artistes could make it big in Bollywood but their contribution behind the scene cannot be ignored, said renowned cine artiste Sadhu Meher. Odias mostly prefer to work as technicians and have excelled as photographers and editors, he added.
Meher was in Sambalpur recently to inaugurate the Lok Mahotsav.
In his 45 years stint as an actor, Meher has acted in over 40 Bollywood films including Ankur, Manthan, Mrigaya, Safed Hati and Gharonda. He also acted in the first Sambalpuri feature film, Bhukha. Meher said a struggling actor requires patience to survive and excel in the showbiz industry.
Stressing that there was no dearth of talent in the State,? he said one needs to stick to the profession despite all odds.
Showmanship and smartness go a long way in the making of a good actor, he added.
While ill health kept him away from grease-paint for a year, Meher said he would take up the mantle of a director in a couple of months. Besides acting, he plans to work on documentary, tele-film and feature film in Odisha.
The recipient of the National Award ‘Rajat Kamal Puraskar’ for best actor in the film, Ankur in 1974 and highest award of Odia Film Industry ‘Jaydeb Puraskar-2008’, Meher said he has miles to go learning the ropes of the trade.
