Veteran Odia cine artist Bijay Mohanty, 70, passes away
By Nalini Sahu/Swagatika Bhutia
Bhubaneswar, July 20: Doyen of Odia film industry Bijay Mohanty passed away on Monday evening at a private hospital here.
According to the family members of Bijay, the actor passed away because of “multiple health concerns.”
He was 70.
Bijay started his career in the Odia film industry with the film ‘Chilika Tire’ which won the National Award for that year. Initially he was opted mostly for negative roles. Naga Phasa, Samay Bada Balaban, Danda Balunga, Sahari Bagha, Chaka Bhaunri and Chaka Akhi Sabu Dekhuchi are some of his most notable films in this role.
He acted almost all kinds of roles ranging from hero, villain, comedian, character roles etc. In every field he left his uncomparable mark. Other notable films include Arati (1981), Mamata Mage Mula (1985), Aei Aama Sansara (1986), Aama Ghara Aama Sansara (1991), Ki Heba Sua Posile, Bhisma Pratigya (1993), Bhai Hela Bhagari (1994), Suna Panjuri, Laxman Rekha, Rakhi Bhijigala Akhi Luhare and I Love My India.
He also directed the movie Bhuli Huena.
He joined the Drama department of the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in 1977 and retired as a professor from the institute.
‘Jugechha,’ a drama troupe that he formed in his native place Baripada was a well-known troupe and staged play in different parts of Orissa as well as the country.
Some of his television serials aired on Doordarshan include Asara Aloka, Sri Jagannath, Subhadra, Sara Akasa, Samaya Chaka, Sakalara Apekhya Re, Nadekhile Loka Dekhe, Mahayagyan and Bidhatara Khela.
Bijay joined Indian National Congress on February 27, 2014. He contested for Member of Parliament from Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat in 2014 Indian general elections and lost. Later, he resigned from the party.
The actor was married to Tandra Ray, an eminent actress of the Odia film industry. The couple acted in a number of films opposite to each other. They have one daughter.
His was conferred Jayadev Award in 2014.
He won the Odisha State Film Awards six times for Arati (1981), Mamata Mage Mula (1985), Ei Aam Sansara (1986), Aam Ghara Aam Sansara (1991), Bhisma Pratingya (1993) and Bhai Hela Bhagari (1994).
