Simanchal Patro

Simanchal Patro (Odia: ସୀମାଞ୍ଚଳ ପାତ୍ର; born 2 February 1927) is an Indian performing artist and exponent of Prahallada Nataka, a traditional ritual theatre form of Odisha. He is best known for his portrayal of the lead character Hiranyakasipu, a role he has performed for over five decades. Patro is a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award

Early life Simanchala Patro was born on 2 February 1927 in the village of Bamakei (Bomakei) in the Digapahandi block of Ganjam district, Odisha. He was born to Sura Patro and Bangari Debi. His family had a traditional affinity for the arts; his father, Sura Patro, was also a Prahllada Nataka guru and artist.

Artistic areer Training Patro's father trained him in Prahallada Nataka, and Patro learned the initial role of Prahallada and later the songs of the Sutradhara. He later underwent rigorous training for 20 years under second-generation Prahallada Nataka masters, including Sri Kora Patra, Sri Laxman Satapathy, and later Sri Trinath Pradhan. 2026: Padma Shri Award, presented by the President of India for his exceptional contribution to the field of Art.