Odia actor Dipanwit Dash Mohapatra raises concern over delayed payments in film industry

Bhubaneswar: Odia actor Dipanwit Dash Mohapatra, known for his performances in several acclaimed films, including National Award-winning Daman, Pratikshya and Lahari, has publicly raised concerns over what he described as the recurring problem of artists not receiving their remuneration on time.

In a strongly worded social media post, Das Mohapatra said he was “done” with what he called the industry’s recurring payment-related issues and urged artistes entering the profession to be aware of their rights and stand up for themselves.

“I started my career in 2017, and now, after almost a decade, I realise I have spent more time and energy figuring out how to recover my hard-earned remuneration than I have spent thinking about my characters, my craft, and becoming a better actor,” he wrote.

Calling this the “saddest part”, the actor said the issue was not merely about money but about the professional dignity of artists.
He urged newcomers to understand their worth and rights, while emphasising that receiving payment for completed work should not be treated as a favour.

“Getting paid for the work you have done is not a favour. It is the most basic professional responsibility,” he said.

Without naming any particular production or individual, Das Mohapatra questioned how the industry could expect artists to deliver their best work while making them repeatedly follow up for their remuneration.
“We still expect great films, great performances and a ‘positive & healthy work culture’ while making artists run behind their own money,” he said.

The actor also took a sarcastic swipe at the practice of delayed payments, saying that while good work is expected to be delivered on time, “payment can take its own artistic journey.”

He further appealed to the industry to stop normalising what he described as a “bizarre practice” and called for greater professionalism in ensuring timely payment to artistes and other creative professionals.
Das Mohapatra has built a reputation through his work in critically acclaimed Odia cinema. His association with films such as Daman, Pratikshya and Lahari has also placed him among a generation of actors contributing to the growing recognition of Odia films beyond the state.