India, April 11 -- In an interesting turn of events, Odia Jatra actor Piyush Tripathy returned an advance payment totalling Rs 1.15 crore to two theatre troupe owners on Friday. The funds were split, with Rs 60 lakh returned to Surya Mandir and Rs 55 lakh to Singhabahini jatra troupe owners, respectively.

Despite not returning the car he earlier received, Tripathy assured that he would continue paying the equated monthly installments (EMI) for it on his own.

Piyush would stay away from Jatra Reflecting on recent personal challenges, the noted Jatra actor remarked, "The times have tarnished my reputation, and the media has framed things monetarily."

Citing health and family commitments, he announced his decision to remain at home for a ...