Renowned Odia actor Uttam Mohanty passed away at the age of 66, succumbing to liver cirrhosis after being hospitalized at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram. His health had deteriorated over the days, leading to his airlift to the national capital on February 8 for advanced medical care, but unfortunately, he could not recover.
Mohanty's nephew confirmed his death at the hospital, marking the end of an era for fans of the Ollywood film industry. He initially fell ill during the shooting of the film Bou Butu Bhoota and was first admitted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. His condition worsened, resulting in him being transferred to the ICU, and eventually airlifted to Medanta.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mohanty starred in over 130 Odia films, alongside significant roles in 30 Bengali films and the Hindi movie Naya Zaher. He began his career with the film Abhimaan in 1977 and quickly became beloved for his performances in movies such as Nijhum Ratira Sathi (1979), Phula Chandana (1982), and Danda Balunga (1984).
Described as versatile, Mohanty was known for playing diverse roles, captivating audiences across generations. His contributions to Odia cinema earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Jayadev Award he received in 1999, as well as multiple Odisha State Film Awards for Best Actor.
Born on December 23, 1958, in Baripada, Mohanty has left behind not only his wife, veteran actress Aparajita Mohanty, and son Babushan, who both continue to contribute to the film industry, but also countless memories for his fans and colleagues.
The sad news of Mohanty's passing sparked outpourings of grief across social media platforms as fans, friends, and fellow actors paid their respects. Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Majhi expressed his condolences, stating, "Uttam Mohanty was like a pole star of the Odia entertainment industry. He ruled the hearts of millions of people for over two decades. His death is an irreparable loss for the industry and state."
Majhi announced Mohanty would be cremated with full state honors, highlighting the significance of the actor's contributions. Minister for Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Suraj Suryabansi, also took to social media to mourn this loss, noting, "He touched the hearts of Odia cinema lovers for decades. The industry will always appreciate his contributions."
His artistic legacy extends beyond the silver screen; Mohanty was also popular on television, with notable performances and roles on various hit serials like Katha Kahuthile Saribani and Sara Akash.
The impact of Mohanty's work is evident as tributes from notable figures, including fellow actors and directors, flooded social media, celebrating his warmth, talent, and unwavering dedication to the craft.
For the people of Odisha, the grief of losing Uttam Mohanty is palpable. He wasn't just an actor; he was part of the cultural fabric of the region, representing the aspirations and emotions of countless viewers. His performances were the lifeblood of the Odia film industry, and now many feel his absence deeply.
Uttam Mohanty’s invaluable contributions to cinema will be remembered for generations to come. His legacy is woven through the stories he told on screen, shaping Odia film history and influencing the next wave of artists. His passing is not just the loss of great talent but of a figure who inspired many within the film industry and beyond.
May his soul rest in peace as we carry forward the richness of his contributions to Odia cinema.