Subhankari Devi, who hails from Bhadrak, is multifaceted. She excels in almost everything she does from dancing, theatre, films to painting and sports. She has already been part of 40 plays and also has a few Odia, Telugu and Kannada films to her credit. Besides, she has also gained popularity as a classical dancer.
Subhankari was smitten by the acting bug at the tender age of seven. It was her mother who first spotted her talent and inspired her to appear on stage. This helped Subhankari overcome her stage fright. “I have been part of numerous plays in school. I am quite satisfied with my performance. Acting in plays that have a social message is what I like best. I am also passionate about dancing and have been performing since childhood,” she says.
It is not only acting and dancing that keeps Subhankari occupied. She is also a five-time sprint and kho-kho champion. Subhankari says that everything she does is a learning experience. “I remember a play titled Stree where I played a married woman. There was so much to learn from that story. We live in a patriarchal society and this play focused on how women have to face male dominance but still adjust to everything in life. Another satisfying role was that of Maya, mother of Gautam Buddha,” she says.
Subhankari plays Sita in Ramleela every year at the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. “I feel inspired seeing the enthusiasm of the crowd. The pressure doubles when the audience starts treating you as the goddess. I have also done other mythological plays where I played Santoshi Maa,” she says.
That said, Subhankari certainly has bigger plans. She wants to try her luck in Hindi films and has already worked as an assistant director of the Hindi show Namkaran for two months. Dancing, however, continues to remain her priority. “After coming to Bhubaneswar in 2011, I trained under classical dancer Saswat Joshi. I have performed in different television and award shows such as Tarang Cine Awards, Doordarshan Foundation Day, Boom Sakalaka,” says Subhankari.
Besides, Subhankari is a regular at district-level festivals like Palishree Mela and Dulduli, a festival of west Odisha. Dancing also keeps her busy with frequent tours to cities like Chennai, Bangalore and Siliguri, where she performs as part of a group.
Subhankari’s talent has opened doors for her in the Odia film industry. She was seen alongside actors Archita and Akash Das in Just Mohabbat. Besides, she has also featured in Kannada and Telugu films, Maina and Aham Brahmasmi, respectively. She is also interested in painting and making thread bangles and ornaments. “I am a wall painter. And I also love collecting coins. I have a large collection of coins including some from the 19th century,” she says.
The actress, who tied the knot with Kshitish Routray in 2017, feels blessed to have a supportive and doting husband. “I was unsure about what would happen to my career after marriage. My profession often requires me to travel outstation but my family, including my in-laws, has been extremely supportive,” she says.
Subhankari’s career is definitely demanding but she also manages to spend quality time with her family. Ask her how she balances work and family, and Subhankari says, “If you have determination, no one can stop you from pursuing your dreams. If you are willing to do something, doors will automatically open up for you. You will also come across people who will discourage you, but there will be others to motivate you as well.”
SOYONG, OP