Veteran Odia actor Hemanta Das passes away

Distinguished Odia film actor and director Hemant Das, known as "tragedy king" of cinema, died today after a prolonged illness.

The end came when Das was being shifted to SCB medical college here in serious condition from his native village, Khuranga in Banki sub division of Cuttack district.The multi-talented actor, was not keeping good health ever since his wife died in 1990 and only son few years later.

The 76-year-old versatile actor was known for his soulful acting. Das' maiden entry into the Odia film began with "Bhai Bhai" directed by Nitai Palit in 1954. After that he did not look back. He acted in over 50 films and had created a niche for himself as a distinguished artist in the Odia film industry.

His acting in movies as "Jajabara, Sesha Shraban, Hakim Babu, Hisab Nikash, Nirab Jhada" is still fresh in the minds of audience. He even acted in Hindi national award winning movie "Shodh". Hemant Das was also well-known as a radio artist and a director. He worked in the news section of AIR, Cuttack and acted in television serials.

Some of his hit films include "Jajabara", "Shesha Shraban", "Hakim Babu", "Hisab Nikash", "Nirab Jhada", "Maa", "Balidana", "Bhuli Huena", "Maa O Mamata", "Pujaphula", "Mamata Mage Mula", "Sapana Banika" and "Kasturi".

"His last wish was to complete the movie Sulochana' based on Fakir Mohan Senapati's famous story Patent Medicine'. Due to paucity of funds and his illness he could not complete it. He always discussed the project. But nothing could be done," said his nephew Jajati Patnaik. Four sisters of Das, his nephews and nieces were present by his side as he breathed his last

Many Odia film artistes, his fans and friends rushed to his village to pay homage to the veteran actor.

"His death is a great loss to the Odia film industry," film critic Dilip Hali said.