Post News Network & Agencies
Bhubaneswar, Feb 19: Noted Oriya film director Nirad Mohaptra, who rose to fame through his famous film ‘Maya Miriga’ in 1984, breathed his last Thursday in Mumbai after a prolonged illness. He died at a private hospital in Mumbai. He was 67 and survived by his wife, daughter and two sons.
Mohapatra was undergoing treatment for the last one month. He had undergone surgery twice during that period. Mohapatra, an alumnus from Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), spent several years teaching the next generation on direction and acting. His film Maya Miriga in 1984 won Rajat Kamal at the National Film Awards. The film also won special jury awards at Hawaii Film Festival, US and ‘Critics Week of Cannies’ in France.
The Oriya film and theatre fraternity expressed grief and shock at the demise of one of the famed directors of the state. Renowned Oriya actor, Uttam Mohanty said, “This is a great loss to the Oriya film industry. I met him personally several times. He was like my brother. He was a thorough gentleman. His film Maya Miriga had a great impact on the industry. The whole fraternity is in grief after hearing the news of his demise.”
Another renowned actor Bijay Mohanty said, “I was always touched by his work and his persona. He used to mingle with everybody very easily. He set a standard for Oriya films. He was the first person from our industry to bring laurels to the fraternity by bagging several national and international awards and portraying Oriya films globally.”
Noted Oriya playback singer, Prafulla Kar said, “I am shocked to hear this news. I came to know about the sudden demise of my dear friend only through media. He was a very talented personality who brought laurels to the state. I met him several times. He had very cordial relations with many people. I have very high regards for him.”
Mohapatra never made another feature film, but a number of extraordinary documentaries were made by him. Several of his documentaries bagged numerous awards. Besides being a member of national film jury and selection panel for Indian Panorama several times, Mohapatra took part in the activities of FTII.
