Bhubaneswar: Veteran Odia Jatra artist Devi Prasad Rath, popularly known as ‘Mama,’ passed away early Wednesday following a cardiac arrest at his home in Paradipgarh of Jagatsinghpur district. He was 71.
According to family members, Rath suffered the cardiac arrest while asleep in the early hours of the morning. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him brought dead.
Rath had a career spanning over four decades in Odisha’s performing arts scene. He began as a child artist in stage plays and later transitioned seamlessly to Jatra, the state’s traditional travelling theatre. Over his long career, he performed in more than 100 productions, taking on roles ranging from hero and villain to elder characters, earning widespread acclaim for his versatility and expressive performances.
He formally retired from the Jatra stage in 2017, marking the end of a 42-year-long journey that shaped an era of Odia theatre. His last performance was in the play “Thaki Dela Bandhu Thikana Bele,” which audiences remember for his natural dialogue delivery and emotional depth.
In the Jatra community, Rath was fondly called ‘Mama,’ a testament to the close bond he shared with audiences and colleagues. His dedication and artistry left an indelible mark on Odisha’s cultural landscape.
Several prominent figures from the performing arts fraternity have expressed grief over his demise, describing him as a “true legend of Odia theatre” whose contributions will be remembered for generations.
