Veteran Actor Uttam Mohanty cremated with state honors
Bhubaneswar: On the evening of February 28, the city of Bhubaneswar bid a heartfelt farewell to one of its beloved sons, veteran actor Uttam Mohanty.
The iconic actor, who had won the hearts of many with his brilliant performances on screen, passed away while undergoing treatment at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram the previous evening.
His death was a loss not only to the film industry but also to the countless fans who had grown up watching his movies. On Friday, the atmosphere was somber as his mortal remains were brought back to his home in Bhubaneswar, where an outpouring of love and respect awaited him.
Hundreds of fans, cultural figures, cine artists, and common citizens gathered to pay their final respects. The Odisha government, recognizing the actor’s immense contribution to the state’s cultural legacy, accorded Uttam Mohanty full state honors.
His son and actor, Babushaan Mohanty, lit the funeral pyre, marking the final rites. The ceremony took place at the Satya Nagar crematorium, and in that moment, the city stood still, as everyone shared in the sorrow of losing a great artist.
Among the dignitaries who paid their respects was Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who visited Uttam Mohanty’s residence at Jagannath Vihar. He offered floral tributes to the actor’s mortal remains and spent time with his grieving wife, Aparajita Mohanty, offering her solace. The Chief Minister’s gesture symbolized the depth of the state’s mourning.
As the news of Uttam Mohanty’s passing spread, an overwhelming crowd gathered to pay tribute to the actor who had shaped the cultural fabric of Odisha for decades. His fans, who had admired his work for years, made a beeline to his residence, leaving no doubt about the impact he had on their lives.
In addition to the local support, prominent political and cultural leaders from across the country expressed their grief. President Droupadi Murmu, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik, Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, and many others sent their condolences, underscoring the widespread affection for the actor.
Uttam Mohanty’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, whether personally or through his work. Yet, his legacy lives on, both in the films he graced and the countless memories he created for his fans. His contribution to the cultural scene in Odisha will never be forgotten, and he will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.