Ollywood Actor Uttam Mohanty Passes Away at 67, Casting a Shadow of Grief Over The Odia Film Industry

A Legend Bids Farewell

Veteran Odia actor Uttam Mohanty, who entertained audiences for over four decades, has passed away. He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Delhi when he breathed his last on Thursday night. He was 67 years old. His family members confirmed the sad news of his demise.

Sudden Health Deterioration

A few days ago, Uttam Mohanty was admitted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar after falling seriously ill. He was kept in the ICU under ventilator support. Due to his critical condition, doctors decided to shift him to a private hospital in Delhi via air ambulance. Unfortunately, despite receiving intensive medical care, doctors declared him dead.

Last Film Project Before His Demise

While shooting for ‘Bou Butu Bhoot’, a film produced by Babushan Films, Uttam Mohanty suddenly fell ill. Following his health crisis, he was immediately admitted to a private hospital. The film, directed by Jagadish Mishra, features his wife Aparajita Mohanty and son Babushan Mohanty in lead roles, along with actress Archita Sahu.

Early Life and Film Career

Born on December 23, 1958, in Baripada, Uttam Mohanty completed his schooling and college education in his hometown. He later married popular actress Aparajita Mohanty, and their only son, Babushan, is also a successful actor.

Uttam Mohanty began his acting career in 1977 with the Odia film ‘Abhiman’. In 1978, he gained recognition with movies like ‘Kabi Samrat Bhanja’, ‘Patipatni’, and ‘Shankha Mahuri’. His popularity skyrocketed in the 1980s with hit films like ‘Chinha Achinha’, ‘Nijhum Ratira Sathi’, ‘Ramayan’, and ‘Ram Balaram’. The 1984 film ‘Danda Balunga’ further cemented his place as a superstar.

During the 1990s, he starred in notable films such as ‘Shasti’, ‘Gopare Badhuchi Kala Kanhei’, ‘Rajarani’, ‘Kandhei’, and ‘Bidhi Ra Bidhan’. Some of his memorable movies from the later years include ‘E Jugara Krishna Sudama’, ‘Mu Tate Love Karuchi’, ‘Tumaku Paruni Bhuli’, ‘Tu Mori Pain’, ‘Aaila Re Odia Pua’, ‘Pagala Karichi Paunji Tora’, and ‘Bidyarana’.

A Versatile Performer

In his illustrious career, Uttam Mohanty acted in nearly 100 Odia films, along with 30 Bengali movies and a Hindi film (‘Naya Zaher’). He also appeared in Odia TV serials like ‘Katha Kahuthile Saribani’, ‘Panatakani’, ‘Sara Akasha’, and ‘Uttaradayi’.

Awards and Recognition

In 1999, Uttam Mohanty received the Jayadev Award, the highest state honor for Odia cinema. He also won multiple Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor awards in the Odisha State Film Awards.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

The news of his demise has left the Odia film industry in deep sorrow. Actors, producers, directors, singers, and fans have expressed their grief and paid tribute to the legendary actor. Many have offered their prayers for his soul to rest in peace and have extended their condolences to his grieving family.

Uttam Mohanty’s legacy will live on through his films, and he will always be remembered as one of the most beloved actors in Odia cinema.