Bhubaneswar: The mortal remains of popular Odia actor Uttam Mohanty were consigned to flames at the Satya Nagar crematorium in Bhubaneswar Friday in the presence of hundreds of his fans and followers.
Amid slogans of ‘Uttam Mohanty Amar Rahe’ (May Uttam Mohanty live forever), the actor’s son and superstar Babushan lit the funeral pyre after the Odisha government accorded the guard of honour to the mortal remains.
The actor, who had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in New Delhi since February 8, passed away at 10:45pm Thursday.
Mohanty is survived by his wife, veteran actress Aparajita Mohanty, and their son, superstar Babushan Mohanty.
Born and raised in Baripada town in Mayurbhanj district, Mohanty had an illustrious career spanning over four decades. He acted in 135 Odia and 30 Bengali films, leaving an indelible mark on regional cinema.
Some of his most iconic performances were in Odia hits 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. He also appeared in the Hindi film Naya Zaher.
In 1987, Mohanty married Aparajita Mohanty, another stalwart of Odia cinema. Over his illustrious career, he won several accolades, including the prestigious Jayadev Award (1999) for his contributions to Odia cinema, the Odisha Living Legend Award (2012), and multiple Orissa State Film Awards.
President Droupadi Murmu, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, and several other dignitaries expressed their grief over Mohanty’s demise, acknowledging his immense contribution to the film industry.
PNN & Agencies
