Uttam Mohanty’s funeral held with state honours; leaders and fans pay tributes

Bhubaneswar, Feb 28: Legendary Odia film actor Uttam Mohanty, who passed away last night, was laid to rest today with full state honours at the Satya Nagar cremation ground in Bhubaneswar. His son, actor Babusan, performed the last rites as a sea of admirers, political leaders, and fellow artists gathered to pay their final respects.

The 66-year-old actor succumbed to a prolonged illness after undergoing treatment for a liver-related ailment at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram since February 8. Prior to the cremation, the State police accorded him a ceremonial guard of honour. His mortal remains were taken from his residence in Jagannath Vihar to the cremation site, where a large number of fans bid him a tearful farewell.

Notable figures, including President Droupadi Murmu, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, expressed their condolences. President Murmu, in a message, stated, “The contribution of Shri Uttam Mohanty to Odia cinema will always be cherished.”

Chief Minister Majhi personally visited Mohanty’s residence to offer floral tributes and announced that the veteran actor’s last rites would be conducted with full state honours.

A prolific artist, Mohanty starred in over 135 Odia films and had notable roles in Bengali and Hindi cinema. His memorable performances in classics like Danda Balunga, Bhakta Salabega, Phula Chandan, Nijhum Ratira Sathi, Jhiati Sita Pari, Rajanigandha, Jaga Hathare Pagha, Mamata Mage Mula, Samay Bada Balaban, Sankha Sindura, and Sahari Bagha cemented his legacy as an icon of Odia cinema. His contribution to the industry, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, remains unparalleled, earning him immense respect and admiration across generations.