Veteran Odia actor Uttam Mohanty died on Thursday night during treatment at a hospital in Gurugram, Haryana. He was 66 years old.

Many dignitaries including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed condolences to the death of the mythological actor of Odia cinema.

Expressing grief, CM Majhi on Friday described Mohanty as the “guiding star” of the Odia film industry. “For two decades, he remained an undisputed hero in Odia Cinema. He was an icon in the Odia Art World. His contribution to the industry is unique. Apart from films, Odia, apart from films, Mohanty also acted in many Bengali films and even brought the stature of Hindi films to new heights.”

As a mark of respect, the Chief Minister has directed that the funerals of Uttam Mohanty should be organized with full state honors.

CM Maji prayed for the peace of the departed soul and increased his deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

Maji also spoke to an Odia film actor and son of Mohanty on the phone and assured him that the state government would provide the facility to bring Mohanty’s body from Delhi to Bhubaneswar.

In particular, Mohanty suffered from liver -related complications. He was taken to Medanta Hospital for treatment on 8 February.

His son Babylon shared information about his death late Thursday night.

According to reports, Mohanty has acted in more than 135 Odia films and some television holders. Apart from this, he also acted in 30 Bengali films and a Hindi film, Naya Zahar.

He was born and was born in Baripada in Mayurbhanj district. Mohanty was keen to act from his college days.

Uttam Mohanty Odia is the only star in the cinema horizon to top the Odia film industry in the 80s and 90s. She was married to veteran Odia actress Aparajita Mohanty.