Bhubaneswar: As expected, Oriya cine actress Mahasweta Ray Monday formally joined in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) here at party’s state headquarters office. State BJP’s poster boy and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan welcomed her to the party and expressed hope that her joining would definitely strengthen the party’s base.
Speaking to the media after joining the saffron party, Ray said, “I have been inspired by Prime Minister Modiji. I am happy to get a chance to work for the welfare of people, particularly those at the grassroots level.” Popular Oriya film artiste including Mihir Das, Pinky Pradhan, Anu Choudhury and Sritam Das had joined the BJP earlier.
Ray, one of the acclaimed actors of Oriya film industry, has worked in Bengali films too. She recently ruffled feathers in the industry by questioning the choices of the jury members of the 28th State Films Awards. Ray, who was awarded the ‘Best Performing Actress Award’ for her performance in ‘Dele Dhara Katha Sare’, said she had expected an award for her other film ‘Chini’.
PNN
