Mayurbhanj
What started as a child’s curiosity with a paintbrush in a small tribal town of Udala has now transformed into a professional journey spanning over 200 projects nationwide. From Bhojpuri television sets to Odiya cultural festivals, he has redefined tribal artistry for a modern stage.
His story is not just one of financial transformation but of cultural perseverance, mentorship, and inspiration—a true example of how tribal talent can shine nationally when nurtured with opportunity.
Meet Jeetendra Hembram, a Santali tribal artist who has carved a niche for himself in the world of stagecraft—earning accolades in Noida Film City, Uttar Pradesh, and Ramoji Rao Film City, Hyderabad, after once surviving on a mere Rs 3,000 per month.
Today, Jeetendra’s artistry earns him over Rs 1.30 lakh a month, and his creative touch continues to enrich events and sets across India.
“I was so obsessed with my art that I could not continue my study after matriculation. Besides, the poor financial state of my family posed hindrance to my education, and my teaming with Kali sir provided me a scope to supplement my family’s meagre income,” he told The Indian Tribal.
A Journey Rooted In Passion
A matriculate from Udala High School, Jeetendra first picked up a paintbrush in 1997 when he chanced upon Kali Charan Bindhani, a local signboard artist. The young boy — captivated by Bindhani’s skill — was handed a brush. And the journey began. His father, the late Bipra Hembram, worked as a farmer, carpenter, and mason, but Jeetendra chose a path painted in colours, clay, and creativity.
By 1998–99, he was working under veteran artist Ranjan Parida, who later took him to Noida. “Jeetendra met me in Udala and pleaded with me to include him in my team. His talent would waste in Mayurbhanj. He learnt fast and came out to be an expert in cutting, carving, and curving works,” recalls Ranjan.
Breakthrough In Noida And Beyond
Between 2001 and 2002, Jeetendra honed his craft in Noida, assisting in sets for Doordarshan, ETV, Zee TV, PTC (Punjab) and several Bhojpuri serials. His big break came with Mahua TV’s ‘Kalua Deeh’, where he independently handled stagecraft for 65 episodes after his mentor moved to Mumbai.
That experience opened doors, and by 2014 he was receiving multiple assignments from television channels, boosting his monthly income to Rs 60,000–70,000. In 2017, partnerships with event managers brought him over 25 projects annually, steadily raising his earnings past Rs 1 lakh a month.
A Blend Of Tribal Tradition And Modern Artistry
Jeetendra’s stagecraft is a unique fusion of tribal painting, fibre work, sculpture, thermocol carving, clay figurines, and metal craft. Sometimes, he uses statues crafted from a mix of chikita mati (special clay) and balia mati (sandy clay) to add distinctive tribal authenticity.
His creations have illuminated mega-events like the Mayurbhanj Utsav in Bhubaneswar and the Mayurbhanj Mahotsav in Baripada. “Though the state may have more than 25 adept stagecraft artisans, we choose Jeetendra for his total dedication. His work is flawless,” said Kalinga Keshari Jena, General Secretary of the Mayurbhanj Mahotsav Committee.
Recognition And Legacy
For his artistry, Jeetendra has been felicitated on over 50 occasions locally. He was honoured by Odisha’s former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in 2011 at an event organized by the Academy of Tribal Languages and Culture, and later by then Culture Minister Aswini Kumar Patra.
Beyond personal success, Jeetendra is committed to nurturing tribal talent. He has already trained more than 10 young artisans, including two girls, some of whom now earn up to Rs 50,000 independently. “I invite a few of them to assist me whenever I get any big work order,” he said with pride.
Now settled in his home town Udala after his marriage in 2015, he is still invited to showcase his talent outside the State.
