Bhubaneswar: Renowned Odia lyricist Brundaban Jena passed away while undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, on Wednesday. He was 87.
Jena had suffered a brain stroke a few days ago and was admitted to the hospital. Despite efforts by doctors, he could not recover and succumbed to his illness.
A prolific writer, Jena had penned lyrics for over 30 Odia films and had also written dialogues and screenplays for eight movies. He had also directed two popular Odia films.
Some of his most iconic songs include Mo Priya Tharu, Emiti Rati E Je Abhula Smruti, Banapakhi Jhurere, Pirati Tora Duru Juhara and Chandrika Tume Jhara Phula.
Jena was a recipient of numerous awards, including the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award in 2008, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2005, Odia Geetikabi Samman in 2006, Fakir Mohan Geetishree Samman in 2011, and Jitikabi Samman in 2015.
His demise has sent shockwaves through the Odia literary and film world, with many paying tributes to the legendary lyricist.