Latest news with #TulasiGananatya
Hans India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Actor questioned over use of live python in opera
Jajpur: An Odia opera actor on Wednesday appeared before the Forest department officials in Jajpur district and explained the controversy surrounding his use of a live python during a rehearsal performance. A video clip of the incident went viral on social media, triggering concerns over the illegal use of wild animals in live performances. According to reports, the rehearsal of Tulasi Gananatya troupe for Odia play 'Ei Bodhe Sesha Dekha' (This is likely to be the last meeting) took place near Chandikhole on Tuesday. In the viral video, the actor Sai Satyajit Panda was seen holding a live snake, identified as an African ball python, on stage as part of a dramatic sequence. The video footage drew sharp criticism online and prompted wildlife advocates to flag the use of wild animals in entertainment, which is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Following social media outrage, Bayree Forest Range office issued a notice summoning the actor. While presenting his side before the Forest department, actor Panda said the snake was a legally purchased exotic species, not protected under the Indian wildlife schedules. He claimed to have bought it in compliance with the rules and insisted no harm was caused during the performance. 'The snake I was holding at rehearsal was not venomous. It is an African bell python, and many people in Bhubaneswar keep these snakes as pets. It is allowed to be kept as a pet under Indian laws. Since I am an actor and a celebrity, the video got more attention online,' Panda said. He also claimed to be a pet lover and denied that the snake was harmed or 'misused'. Bayree Forest Range Officer Adwit Kumar Pradhan confirmed Panda's appearance and stated that no FIR in connection with the incident has been filed yet. He said under the Wildlife Protection Act, the public display or use of wild or exotic animals without clearance from the authorities can invite legal consequences, regardless of whether the species is native or imported. The matter is under investigation and action will be taken as per law, he added.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Odia opera actor summoned over use of live python
JAJPUR: An Odia opera actor appeared before Forest department officials of the district after being summoned over his use of a python during rehearsal performance on Wednesday. Video of the incident went viral on social media, triggering public backlash over use of wild animals in entertainment, prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. According to reports, during rehearsal of Tulasi Gananatya's play 'Ei Bodhe Sesha Dekha,' actor Sai Satyajit Panda was seen holding a python on stage as part of his performance. The rehearsal took place near Chandikhole on Tuesday. Following social media outrage, Bayree forest range office summoned Panda. Appearing before the officials on Wednesday, Panda said the snake was a legally purchased exotic species not protected under wildlife schedules and it was bought in compliance with the rules and no harm was caused during the performance. Panda stated, 'It is an African ball python and many people in Bhubaneswar keep these snakes as pets. It is allowed to be kept as a pet under Indian laws. Since I am an actor and a celebrity, the video got more attention online.' Bayree forest range officer Adeitya Kumar Pradhan said no FIR was filed in connection with the incident. 'Use of a live python, even an exotic one without prior permission from wildlife authorities may still violate prevailing environmental and performance-related regulations,' said Pradhan. The matter is under investigation and appropriate action will be taken as per law, he added.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Actor questioned over use of live python in opera show in Odisha
Jajpur , An Odia opera party actor Wednesday appeared before the Forest department officials in Jajpur district and explained the controversy surrounding his use of a live python during a rehearsal performance. Actor questioned over use of live python in opera show in Odisha A video clip of the incident went viral on social media, triggering concerns over the illegal use of wild animals in live performances. According to reports, the rehearsal of the Tulasi Gananatya troupe for the Odia play 'Ei Bodhe Sesha Dekha' took place near Chandikhole on Tuesday. In the viral video, the actor Sai Satyajit Panda was seen holding a live snake, identified as an African ball python, on stage as part of a dramatic sequence. The video footage drew sharp criticism online and prompted wildlife advocates to flag the use of wild animals in entertainment, which is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Following social media outrage, the Bayree Forest Range office issued a notice summoning the actor. While presenting his side before the forest department, actor Panda said that the snake was a legally purchased exotic species, not protected under the Indian wildlife schedules. He claimed to have bought it in compliance with the rules and insisted no harm was caused during the performance. 'The snake I was holding at rehearsal was not venomous. It is an African bell python, and many people in Bhubaneswar keep these snakes as pets. It is allowed to be kept as a pet under Indian laws. Since I am an actor and a celebrity, the video got more attention online,' Panda said. He also claimed to be a pet lover and denied that the snake was harmed or 'misused'. Bayree Forest Range Officer Adwit Kumar Pradhan confirmed Panda's appearance and stated that no FIR in connection with the incident has been filed yet. He said that under the Wildlife Protection Act, the public display or use of wild or exotic animals without clearance from the authorities can invite legal consequences, regardless of whether the species is native or imported. The matter is under investigation and action will be taken as per law, he added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
