Pittala Dora

The origin of Pittala Doras is unknown. Pittala Doras come from agricultural backgrounds and visit cities to make money. Pittala Doras dress in khakhi clad with a pith hat similar to the policeman during the British times. They also carry a wooden stick, defunct rifle or a toy, which has earned them the name Thupaki Ramudu.^[1] To entertain the audience, they tell stories, lies, brag and make false promises. The tradition of Pittala Doras is passed on from generation to generation.^[2] They are known to be able to talk for long amounts of time without break.

With the advent of technology, the tradition of Pittala Doras is dying down; however, politicians are interested in reviving the tradition for campaigning.^[3] Pittala Doras have been subject to criticism nowadays, with some people dubbing them as beggars, and they are mainly present during the Dasara festival times.^[4] The term pittala dora can also be used for someone who tells lies.^[5]

Ali acted as a pittala dora in the namesake 1996 film directed by Sana Yadireddy [te], the editor of the Anveshana newspaper.^[6] He won the Nandi Special Jury Award for his performance.^[7]