Bhubaneswar: Veteran Ollywood actor Uttam Mohanty, who passed away last night, was cremated today at Satya Nagar cremation ground in Bhubaneswar with full state honours. His son, actor Babusan, lit the funeral pyre amidst a huge gathering of fans, leaders, well-wishers, and actors from the cine industry.
Mohanty, 66, died after battling a prolonged illness. He was given a guard of honour by the State police before cremation. The mortal remains were taken from his Jagannath Vihar residence to the Satyanagar crematorium.
A versatile actor, Mohanty had acted in over 135 Odia films and several Bengali and Hindi movies. He was undergoing treatment for a liver ailment at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram since February 8.
Many eminent personalities, including President Droupadi Murmu, Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Deputy CMs S K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, expressed deep sorrow over Mohanty’s demise.
President Murmu tweeted, “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the demise of eminent film actor Shri Uttam Mohanty. His contribution to Odia cinema will always be remembered.”
Chief Minister Majhi visited Mohanty’s residence, paid floral tributes, and announced that Mohanty’s last rites would be performed with full state honour.
His performances in films such as Danda Balunga, Bhakta Salabega, Phula Chandan, Nijhum Ratira Sathi, Jhiati Sita Pari, Rajanigandha, Chaka Bhaunri, Jaga Hathare Pagha, Mamata Mage Mula, Samay Bada Balaban, Sankha Sindura, Sahari Bagha, Ayi Ama Sansara, Jor Jar Mulak Tar, Daiba Daudi, Palatak, Udandi Sita and many romantic as well as character roles throughout the 1980s and 1990s had made him an icon in the film industry.
