The mortal remains of veteran actor Uttam Mohanty were consigned to flames at Satya Nagar crematorium in Bhubaneswar on Friday.
On February 8, the 66-year-old actor was evacuated to Delhi from Bhubaneswar after suffering from acute liver problems. At 10.45 p.m. on Thursday, he died of his illness while being treated at a hospital in Gurugram, Haryana.
A massive gathering of cine artists, cultural personalities, fans, and members of the public gathered at Biju Patnaik International Airport to say their final goodbyes to the adored actor as his mortal remains came from Delhi. They later escorted the hearse transporting the body of a legendary actor to the Crematory.
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 son Babushaan lit the pyre after he was accorded the guard of 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.