Bhubaneswar, February 28: In an atmosphere charged with grief, the mortal remains of celebrated Odia actor Uttam Mohanty arrived at his Jagannath Vihar residence in Bhubaneswar on Friday. The veteran star passed away at the age of 66 due to liver ailments at a private hospital in New Delhi on Thursday night.
Hundreds of fans, cine artists, cultural icons, and members of the public gathered at the Biju Patnaik International Airport to pay their final respects to the beloved actor. At Mohanty’s residence, emotional admirers formed a lengthy queue, waiting patiently for a final glimpse of the legendary performer who shaped the landscape of Odia cinema.
According to family friend Rabi Mishra, Mohanty's last rites will be conducted at Satya Nagar crematorium with full state honours. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi personally directed local police authorities to ensure a smooth and dignified funeral procession and cremation.
Uttam Mohanty was admitted to a private hospital in New Delhi on February 8 after his health deteriorated significantly. He succumbed to his illness around 10:45 PM on Thursday night, leaving behind a rich cinematic legacy.
An Icon of Odia Cinema
Born and raised in Baripada town, Mayurbhanj district, Uttam Mohanty had an illustrious acting career, featuring prominently in 135 Odia and 30 Bengali films. He also ventured into Hindi cinema, notably appearing in the film 'Naya Zaher'.Mohanty delivered several memorable performances in blockbuster Odia films such as 'Danda Balunga', 'Jahaku Rakhibe Ananta', 'Rajanigandha', 'Chaka Bhaunri', 'Daiba Daudi', 'Kanya Dana', 'Chaka Akhi Sabu Dekhuchi', 'Pua Mora Kala Thakura' and 'Lakhe Shiba Puji Paichhi Pua'.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1987, Mohanty married Aparajita Mohanty, herself a celebrated actress in Odia cinema. Their son, Babushan Mohanty, continues the family's cinematic legacy as one of the current superstars of the Odia film industry.Throughout his distinguished career, Uttam Mohanty was honoured with multiple prestigious awards. These include the Jayadev Award (1999) for his significant contribution to Odia cinema, the Odisha Living Legend Award (2012), and several Orissa State Film Awards.
Tributes Pour In
President Droupadi Murmu, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Majhi, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, and Odisha’s Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj expressed profound grief over Mohanty's demise.President Murmu, in her condolence message on social media platform X, expressed deep sorrow, writing, “Shri Mohanty won the hearts of countless viewers by playing the lead role in many Odia films. His contribution to the development of Odia film will always be remembered. As a sweet-spoken and humble gentleman, he was the idol of all. His demise has caused an irreparable loss to the Odia film world.”
Governor Kambhampati also conveyed his condolences, posting, “Honorable Governor Shri @DrHariBabuK expressed grief and prayed for the eternal peace of his soul and extended condolences to the bereaved family members.”
Naveen Patnaik described Mohanty's passing as a huge loss to the art world, noting, "The mark he left in many films will forever keep him in the hearts of people."
Mohanty’s death has deeply impacted Odia cinema, marking the end of an era, yet his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.
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