Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Actor Questioned Over Use of Live Python in Odia Opera
An actor in an Odia opera used a live snake in a rehearsal, which caused a lot of people to talk about it.
Some people online got upset because they thought it might be against the rules to use wild animals in shows.
The actor said the snake was a type that people can have as pets and that he bought it legally.
The forest department is now looking into whether the actor broke any rules by showing the snake in public without permission, even though the snake wasn't a native species.
They will decide what to do based on the law.
An Odia opera actor was questioned by Forest department officials in Jajpur for using a live python during a rehearsal.
A video of the actor holding the snake during a rehearsal for 'Ei Bodhe Sesha Dekha' went viral.
Wildlife advocates raised concerns over the use of wild animals in entertainment, which is prohibited.
The actor stated the snake was a legally purchased exotic species, not protected under Indian wildlife schedules.
The Forest department is investigating the matter, with potential legal consequences for public display of animals.
- Who
- Sai Satyajit Panda, the actor, and the Bayree Forest Range office.
- What
- An actor was questioned about using a live python during an opera rehearsal.
- When
- The incident occurred during a rehearsal and was brought to the attention of authorities.
- Where
- In Jajpur district, Odisha, India.
- Why
- Concerns were raised regarding the use of a wild animal in a performance.
Wildlife Advocates & Critics
Actor Sai Satyajit Panda
Legality of Animal Use
Wildlife Advocates & Critics
Use of wild animals in entertainment is generally prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and may be harmful.
Actor Sai Satyajit Panda
The snake was a legally purchased pet species and not native to India.
- Actor
- Sai Satyajit Panda
- Opera
- Tulasi Gananatya troupe
- Play
- 'Ei Bodhe Sesha Dekha'
- Snake Type
- African ball python
- Location
- Jajpur district, Odisha
- Authority Involved
- Bayree Forest Range office