Bhubaneswar: The year 2025 will be remembered as a period of profound loss for Odisha, as the state mourned the passing of several towering personalities who shaped its cultural, literary, cinematic and political landscape. From legendary artists and literary icons to seasoned administrators and political leaders, their demise marked the end of significant chapters in Odisha’s public life.
Together, they embodied decades of creativity, scholarship and public service, leaving behind legacies that continue to define Odisha’s identity.
Uttam Mohanty (February 27, 2025): The Evergreen Star of Ollywood
Veteran actor Uttam Mohanty, one of the tallest figures in the Odia film industry, passed away on February 27 at the age of 66 while undergoing treatment for pneumonia and liver cirrhosis at a hospital in Gurugram. His death cast a pall of gloom over Odisha, triggering an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues and political leaders.
Born in Baripada in 1958, Mohanty began his illustrious career with Abhimaan (1977) and soon became Ollywood’s most bankable star. With his effortless charm and versatility, he ushered in a new era of romantic cinema in the 1980s, dominating the silver screen for decades.
His expansive filmography includes classics such as Nijhum Ratira Sathi, Chinha Achinha, Ram Balaram, Pooja Phula, Suna Chadhei, Danda Balunga, Chaka Bhaunri and Sri Ramayana. Mohanty acted in nearly 150 Odia films, 30 Bengali films and one Hindi movie, besides a successful stint on television.
Along with his wife Aparajita, he formed one of the most celebrated on-screen pairs in Odia cinema. Honoured with the Jaydev Puraskar, multiple State Film Awards and lifetime achievement recognitions, Mohanty remained active till ill health forced him off the screen.
Ramakanta Rath (March 16, 2025): A Colossus of Modern Odia Literature
Eminent poet and former Chief Secretary of Odisha, Padma Bhushan Ramakanta Rath passed away on March 16 at the age of 91, marking the end of an era in modern Odia literature.
A 1957-batch IAS officer, Rath seamlessly bridged governance and creativity. His poetry—marked by philosophical depth and modernist sensibility—redefined Odia literary expression. His celebrated works include Saptama Ritu, Aneka Kothari and the iconic long poem Sri Radha, which earned him the Saraswati Samman.
Rath also served as President of the Sahitya Akademi of India and received numerous honours, including the Padma Bhushan and the Atibadi Jagannath Das Award. His contributions elevated Odia literature to national and international recognition.
Subas Pani (August 4, 2025): Administrator, Scholar and Cultural Visionary
Former Chief Secretary of Odisha Subas Pani passed away on August 4 at the age of 76 after a prolonged battle with cancer. A rare blend of bureaucratic excellence and cultural scholarship, Pani was widely regarded as a leading authority on Jagannath culture and Jayadev’s Geeta Govinda.
A former English professor turned IAS officer, Pani authored several seminal works, including Sampoorna Geeta Govinda and Daru Brahma. He also curated iconic cultural festivals such as the Mukteswar Dance Festival and Srikshetra Utsav.
Beyond culture, Pani played a pivotal role in Odisha’s IT growth, bringing companies like Infosys and Mindtree to the state, and was instrumental in digitising India’s voter database during his tenure at the Election Commission of India.
Humane Sagar (November 17, 2025): A Voice That Defined a Generation
Popular playback singer Humane Sagar passed away on November 17 at the age of 34, sending shockwaves through Odisha’s music fraternity. Rising to fame after winning Voice of Odisha Season 2 in 2012, he became one of the most sought-after voices in Odia cinema.
Born in Titlagarh in 1990, Sagar lent his soulful voice to hundreds of film and album songs, resonating deeply with audiences across generations. He was admitted to hospital with multiple organ failure and succumbed despite intensive medical care.
His sudden demise silenced one of contemporary Odisha’s most beloved musical voices, leaving fans and colleagues devastated.
Rajendra Dholakia (September 8, 2025): A Mass Leader from Western Odisha
Senior BJD leader and four-time MLA from Nuapada, Rajendra Dholakia, passed away on September 8 at the age of 69 while undergoing treatment in Chennai.
A grassroots leader and former minister in the Naveen Patnaik cabinet, Dholakia was first elected to the Assembly in 2004 and went on to serve four terms. Known for his strong advocacy for western Odisha, he also held the Planning and Convergence portfolio briefly between 2022 and 2024.
His death marked the loss of a seasoned political voice with deep roots among the people of Nuapada.
A Year of Irreplaceable Loss
The passing of these luminaries in a single year has left Odisha poorer in experience, wisdom and cultural richness. While their physical presence is gone, their legacies endure—through films that continue to entertain, poems that inspire introspection, songs that still echo in homes, and institutions shaped by decades of public service.
As Odisha steps into a new year, 2025 will remain etched in collective memory as a solemn reminder of the towering individuals who helped shape the soul of the state.
