- Friday, February 28, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Veteran Odia actor Uttam Mohanty, a stalwart of the Odia film industry, passed away on February 28, 2025, at the age of 66. The legendary actor was undergoing treatment for liver cirrhosis at Medanta Hospital in Delhi. His death marks the end of an era in Odia cinema, where he reigned as a beloved icon for over four decades.
Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over Mohanty’s passing, calling it an irreparable loss to Odia arts and culture. Recognizing his immense contributions, the CM announced that his last rites would be conducted with full state honours.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଚଳଚ୍ଚିତ୍ର ଜଗତରେ ଏକ ଯୁଗର ଅନ୍ତ !
ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ଘରେ ଘରେ ପରିଚିତ, ଲୋକପ୍ରିୟ ଅଭିନେତା ଉତ୍ତମ ମହାନ୍ତିଙ୍କ ବିୟୋଗ ଖବର ଶୁଣି ମୁଁ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଦୁଃଖିତ ଏବଂ ମର୍ମାହତ। ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଚଳଚ୍ଚିତ୍ର ଜଗତ ପ୍ରତି ତାଙ୍କର ଅତୁଳନୀୟ ଅବଦାନ ପାଇଁ ସେ ଚିର ସ୍ମରଣୀୟ ହୋଇ ରହିବେ। ଦିବଙ୍ଗତ ଆତ୍ମାର ସଦଗତି କାମନା କରିବା ସହ ଶୋକସନ୍ତପ୍ତ ପରିବାର… pic.twitter.com/1eFl3rWYsp— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) February 27, 2025
“Uttam Mohanty was like a guiding star in the Odia film industry. For over two decades, he remained an unrivalled hero in Odia cinema. He was an icon of the Odia art world. Through his acting in Odia, Bengali, and even Hindi films, he elevated the Odia film industry to new heights. His demise is an irreparable loss to the Odia artistic community,” Majhi posted on social media.
Born in Odisha, Uttam Mohanty made his acting debut in 1977 with Sadhu Meher’s Abhimaan. Over the years, he became a household name, starring in over 130 Odia films, including timeless classics such as:
His versatility extended beyond Odia cinema, with appearances in 30 Bengali films and a notable role in the Hindi film Naya Zaher.
Political leaders, industry colleagues, and fans flooded social media with heartfelt tributes. Baijayant Panda, BJP National Vice President and Kendrapara MP, mourned his passing, stating:
“The end of an era in the Odia film industry! I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear about the demise of Uttam Mohanty, a beloved and renowned actor known in every household of Odisha. His invaluable contribution to the Odia film industry will always be remembered. Praying for the departed soul’s eternal peace, I extend my deepest condolences to the grieving family.”
Uttam Mohanty’s remarkable career was recognized with several prestigious awards, including:
As Odisha bids farewell to one of its most cherished film icons, Uttam Mohanty’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers. His impact on Odia cinema remains unparalleled, and his memory will live on through his timeless films.
