25-year-old Belpahar theatre actor gets NSD call, first Odisha woman to achieve feat
JHARSUGUDA: Over a decade ago, Sonia Behera was among the audience at a school function in Belpahar, captivated by a stage performance she had never imagined would one day shape her life as the fascination turned into an historic achievement. On Thursday, the 25-year-old became the first woman from Odisha to secure admission to the prestigious three-year Diploma in Dramatics programme at the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi.
Securing 80.05 percentile after clearing a multi-stage selection process, Sonia secured the eighth rank in All India merit list of NSD. The selection process included preliminary screening, theatre workshopspractical exercises and personal interviews held at the NSD campus in New Delhi between June 14 and 19.
Speaking to TNIE, Sonia said the achievement was beyond what she had imagined when she first stepped into theatre. “I feel very proud. When I started doing theatre, I had never imagined that I would one day make it to NSD. It still feels unreal,” she said.
The eldest among five siblings, Sonia’s interest in theatre was sparked in 2015 after she watched Lal Paen being staged during a school programme by the Mirror Theatre Group in Jharsuguda. She was not part of the troupe then, but the performance left a lasting impression and motivto join the group later that year.
Over the last 11 years, Sonia has featured in several acclaimed productions by the group, including Lal Paen, ULPI, April-27, Badakha Dada, Pachen, Ramadevi, Tor Jhumka, Tor Kiriya, Bhokara Aneka Ranga and Panata Kani.Sonia credited her mother for encouraging her to pursue theatre despite the uncertainties associated with the profession. She also acknowledged the constant guidance of Mirror Theatre founder-director Dr Subash Chandra Pradhan and senior colleagues, whom she described as instrumental in shaping her journey.
Dr Pradhan said Sonia’s selection was a proud moment not only for the institution but also for theatre practitioners across Odisha. “Sonia’s achievement shows that talent from small towns can compete at the highest level with dedication and proper training. I hope her success inspires more young people, especially girls, to take up theatre