Renowned Ollywood actor Uttam Mohanty, who had been receiving treatment for liver cirrhosis at a multi-specialty private hospital in Gurgaon, passed away late Thursday night at the age of 66.
Nearly three weeks ago, on February 8, Mohanty was airlifted to Gurugram in an air ambulance for specialised treatment after being admitted to the ICU of a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.
The veteran actor, celebrated for his significant contributions to the Odia film industry, appeared in over 135 Odia films and 30 Bengali movies. He also featured in the Hindi film Naya Zaher.
Tributes poured in from various quarters as people mourned the loss of the beloved actor. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his condolences and announced that Mohanty’s last rites would be conducted with full state honours.
“Uttam Mohanty was a guiding star in the Odia entertainment industry, winning the hearts of millions for over two decades. His exceptional acting left an indelible mark not only in Odia cinema but also in Bengali and Hindi films. His passing is a great loss to the industry and the state. I extend my deepest condolences to his family,” said Majhi, directing that the actor be honoured with state funeral rites.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed his deep sorrow upon hearing the news of the demise of Odisha’s legendary actor, Uttam Mohanty, who was an evergreen hero in the Odia film industry.
In a heartfelt tribute, Pradhan shared on social media, “Uttam Mohanty was not just an artist but a member of my family. His contribution to the Odia film industry over the years is unparalleled. His iconic performances in films like Ramayan, Phulchandan, and Sita Pari Jhiiate will forever be etched in the hearts of the people of Odisha.”
Pradhan further noted that Mohanty’s exceptional acting made him a beloved figure in every household, and his passing has created a void in Odisha’s artistic community. “Odisha has lost one of its greatest gems. His legacy will live on for many years in the hearts of the Odia people,” he wrote.
The Union Minister extended his condolences to the grieving family, praying for the eternal peace of Uttam Mohanty’s soul. He concluded his post with, “Om Shanti.”
Suryabanshi Suraj, the Minister of State for Odia Language, Literature, and Culture, also expressed his sorrow on social media. “The death of Uttam Mohanty, the leading actor of Odia cinema, has saddened the entire state. His performances over the years deeply touched the hearts of Odia cinema lovers. Odisha and the industry will forever remember his contribution. My condolences to the family during this sorrowful time. Om Shanti,” he wrote.
Uttam Mohanty is survived by his wife, renowned Odia actress Aparajita Mohanty, and their son, popular actor Babusan.
Mohanty’s filmography includes iconic roles in 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, among many others.
