In Memory: Uttam Mohanty, The ‘Danda Balunga’ Of Ollywood

In Memory: Uttam Mohanty, The ‘Danda Balunga’ Of Ollywood

The quote, “I prefer to be a good human being rather than a good character on screen,” best suits one of O-Town’s most celebrated actors, Uttam Mohanty. After his demise, people remember him not only for his work but also for his humble nature and willingness to help others.

The legendary Odia actor and heartthrob of yesteryears, who redefined the industry with his effortless charm, versatility, and captivating screen presence, passed away on 27th February, 2025 at the age of 66. Mohanty was airlifted to Delhi on February 8 after his health deteriorated critically. He was undergoing treatment for liver cirrhosis at a private hospital when he breathed his last. His demise has cast a pall of gloom over Odisha, leaving fans and admirers mourning the loss of an icon.

Expressing deep sorrow, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi paid tribute to the veteran actor, stating, “Uttam Mohanty was a guiding star in the Odia film industry. For over two decades, he remained an unrivaled hero, captivating audiences with his performances. His contributions to Odia, Bengali, and Hindi cinema elevated the Odia film industry to new heights. His passing is an irreparable loss to the artistic community.”

“That presence is gone, leaving only darkness behind.”- Siddhant Mohapatra

Ollywood’s megastar and MLA (Digapahandi), Siddhant Mohapatra, who shared a close bond with the late actor, expressed his grief, saying, “Only memories remain, nothing else. He has left his mark everywhere he worked and visited. Till my last breath, he will always be in our hearts. Now, all the moments spent with him have turned into memories. In a family, a father is always a source of strength and courage. Today, we have lost a father figure. No matter where or how he was, his presence was always reassuring. But today, that presence is gone, leaving only darkness behind.”

“As the people of Odisha know, our connection was not just professional but deeply personal. We shared a close family bond. I first had the opportunity to act alongside him in 1994, and from then on, he was always there for me. He was a loving person who stood by everyone he knew. Just a few weeks ago, we spoke over the phone, and a few months back, we met at an event where we spent quality time together,” he added.

“He used to take care of me”- Jayiram Samal

Legendary Ollywood actor and comedian Jayiram Samal believes that, true to his name, Uttam, which means "good," he was a gem of a person. He said, “With his tremendous acting skills and hypnotic craft, he left audiences spellbound. I have acted alongside him in almost every film, starting with ‘Phula Chandan’. In that film, I played the role of ‘Daka Aja,’ while he portrayed Chandan. I still remember being astonished after witnessing his performance on set. He would even suggest better hairstyles for me. Whenever we were shooting in remote locations, he took care of me. Not just me, he was always concerned about the well-being of everyone on set, including the spot boys, ensuring they had proper food and accommodation.

It’s heartbreaking to know he is no longer with us. The last time we met was a few months ago at an event, where he took a picture with my entire family. I pray to Lord Jagannath for his departed soul and for strength for his family.”

“He is someone who lives in our hearts, not just on the screen.”- Kuna Tripathy

Former OFDC chairman and veteran actor Kuna Tripathi described Uttam Mohanty as the lighthouse of the Odia film industry. He explained that actors like him, who entered the vast ocean of cinema with small boats, always looked up to Uttam Mohanty for guidance to reach the shore. He said, “He was already a superstar when we stepped into the industry, so naturally, there was a huge gap between him and us. But he was never one to maintain that distance. Instead, he would come to us himself, asking if we had eaten. If not, he would immediately say, ‘Shooting band kara, mo bhai khaini’ (Stop the shooting and let my brother eat first).

Whether it was a personal, professional, or financial matter, he was always there for whoever needed him. I remember the late actor Bijay Mohanty once telling me that the stardom Uttam Mohanty experienced and the aura he carried remain unmatched to this day.

Some people complain that he hasn’t been seen on the big screen for years. But let me be clear, he is someone who lives in our hearts, not just on the screen. I have traveled outside the state and even the country, and whenever there was a discussion about Odia films, the first name people asked about was always Uttam Mohanty.”

“Many of my jokes are actually inspired by his incredible sense of humour.”- Papu Pam Pam

Known as the present comedy king of Ollywood, Papu Pam Pam spent nearly 18 hours a day with Uttam Mohanty for about 15 years of his life. He shared, "He was a great inspiration behind my decision to join the Odia film industry. At last year’s New Year party, we even danced together. Every time we met, he would crack jokes, and many of my jokes are actually inspired by his incredible sense of humor. When I first came to Bhubaneswar, I was fortunate to live near his house, but I didn’t have the courage to meet him in person. Instead, I sent him a letter mentioning that I was from Mayurbhanj. After reading the letter, he came to meet me himself, and that’s how my journey with him began. He was the best guide of my life. Whether it was during my radio days, television days, or cinema career, he was always there to guide me at every step.”

“His passing is not just a great loss for the film industry but also for society as a whole.”- Buddhaditya Mohanty

Popular Ollywood actor Buddhaditya Mohanty, who is also a family relative of Uttam Mohanty, still feels as if he is trapped in a bad dream. He said, "I can’t come to terms with the fact that he is no more. He was not a trained actor, yet he set a true example of how one can become a superstar purely through talent and dedication. He was one of the first actors of his time who believed in maintaining a good physique and worked hard for it. Beyond his on-screen presence, he helped numerous technicians, actors, and many others in the industry on a personal level, yet he never showcased his generosity. His passing is not just a great loss for the film industry but also for society as a whole.”

“I grew up admiring his legacy.”- Swaraj Barik

One of O-Town’s youngest and most talented actors, Swaraj Barik, believes that an artist never truly dies. Though they may leave their physical form, their soul continues to live in the hearts of their beloved audience. He said, “Uttam Sir and I come from the same land, Baripada. I grew up admiring his legacy and was fortunate to study at the same school and college as he did. The most valuable lesson I learned from him was to be a good human being first. Whenever we met, he would always ask me, ‘Kire, Mudhi aninu?’ (Did you bring Mudhi?). That simple gesture reflected his grounded nature. He remained humble throughout his life. His passing is a great loss for all of us.”

“He is the first superstar of our industry.”- Bobby Mishra

Another popular actor from O-Town, Bobby Mishra, who shares a close bond with both Uttam Mohanty and Babushan, expressed his grief, saying, "This is a dark phase we are going through, as we are losing our elder brothers one by one so quickly. They are legends, and we have all grown up watching and learning from their craft. Uttam Mohanty is the first superstar of our industry, and he will live on in our hearts forever."

“He had mastered every aspect of filmmaking.”- Sritam Das

Popular actor and active BJP member Sritam Das regards Uttam Mohanty as the guiding force who paved the way for them in acting and stardom. He shared, "My birth name was Uttam Kumar Das, but since he was already a superstar with the same name, my screen name was changed to Sritam Das. So, in a way, I have been connected to his name since birth. I was just a child when I watched ‘Bhakta Salabega’ with my family in a theater, it was the first film of my life. From that day, I felt an emotional connection with him. He had a deep understanding of every aspect of filmmaking, from dressing sense to photography, lighting, and beyond."

Recalling a memory, he said, "During my early days, I once took a photo at the sea beach, which later appeared in a newspaper. The next day, when he saw me on set, he slapped me hard and said, ‘As an artist, you should be careful about which photos you share with the media.’ He then explained that in the picture, my face looked dark because I was standing against the sunlight. He was always particular about how an artist should present themselves.  

As a senior, he was always there for us, creating a comfortable and friendly work environment that allowed us to perform without fear. His dedication, dialogue delivery, dubbing, punctuation, coordination with co-actors, and even fight sequences were phenomenal, that’s what made him Uttam Mohanty. He had mastered every aspect of filmmaking.  

Whenever we visited his home, he and Tiki Apa (Aparajita Mohanty) would treat us to at least five to six different dishes. My nickname is Tikili, and he always called me by that name. While we, as juniors, called him Uttam Bhai, his friends and seniors fondly addressed him by his nickname, ‘Kunia’.”

“Uttam bhai was a true friend in need.”- Arabinda Sarangi

Mohanty’s colleague and family friend, veteran actor Arabinda Sarangi, who shared the screen with him in ‘Danda Balunga’, reminisced about their bond, saying, "During his wedding, I received invitations from both sides. While shooting ‘Danda Balunga’ with him, we lived together and had great fun both on and off screen. I have always believed and I still do that Uttam Bhai was a true friend in need.”

“I always to got two packets of Biryani for Uttam.”- Basanta Sahoo

Recollecting fond memories with Uttam Mohanty, veteran Ollywood film director Basanta Sahoo shared, "In 1978, my friend J.H. Sattar was directing a film and invited me to join as the chief assistant director. That film was ‘Arati’, which was released in 1981 and featured legendary actors like Ajit Das, Bijay Mohanty, Anita Das, Radha Panda, Dukhiram Swain, and Uttam Mohanty. Sadly, none of them are with us today. ‘Arati’ was also the first film where I had the opportunity to work with Uttam Mohanty. Tandra Ray played the heroine, while Bollywood’s iconic Helen made a special appearance in a mujra song, ‘Janha Go Tume Luchana’, sung by Asha Bhosle. The song was filmed at a bungalow in Juhu.

Years later, I reunited with Uttam Mohanty while working on ‘Paka Kambala Pota Chhata’ with Prashanta Nanda. Our collaboration continued with films like ‘Panchu Pandav’ and ‘Kandhei’. I vividly remember an instance during ‘Kandhei’ when Uttam told me, ‘You will definitely become a director one day, and I will be a part of your first film.’ True to his word, when I made my directorial debut with ‘Ki Heba Sua Posile’ in 1990, he played the lead. We later worked together on films like ‘Gadhi Janile Ghara Sundara’, ‘Kala Manika’, and ‘Rakata Chinhichi Nijara Kie’."

Speaking about their special bond, he added, "Uttam was the only one in the industry who called me by my nickname, ‘Dillu’, and he continued to do so till the very end. Unlike many actors, he never worried about remuneration; instead, he spread joy and laughter on set.

I remember a memorable moment during the climax shoot of ‘Paka Kambala Pota Chhata’, which took place at sea on a massive ship. Producer Basant Naik used to bring biryani for everyone, and Uttam, knowing my love for food, would jokingly tell him, ‘Give Dillu two packets of biryani, one won’t be enough!’ And sure enough, I always got two."

Highlighting Uttam Mohanty’s craft, he said, "Unlike many big stars who relied on prompts, Uttam had an incredible memory, he could memorize two pages of dialogue within minutes. His deep involvement in every role set him apart, making him a true master of his craft. For newcomers, there was so much to learn from a superstar like him.”

As we remember the legend, let's take a look at his life journey.

Uttam Mohanty showcased remarkable versatility, effortlessly transitioning between romantic leads, village youths, and intense character-driven roles. His performances in films like ‘Abhiman’, ‘Danda Balunga’, and ‘Bhakta Salabega’ remain timeless, cementing his legacy in Odia cinema. Beyond his dominance in Ollywood, he also carved a niche in Bengali cinema, featuring in nearly 30 films. His talent even extended to Bollywood, where he starred opposite Satabdi Roy in the Hindi film ‘Naya Zahar’. If we make a total of all the films he has acted in, it will be around 200 films in his lifetime.

Over the years, he has received numerous Odia Filmfare Awards and accolades as a best actor including awards like, Odisha Living Legend Award 2012, Odisha State Film Award for Best Actor for ‘Phula Chandana’, ‘Jhiati Sita Pari’, ‘Danda Balunga’, and ‘Suna Chadhei’, Odisha State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for ‘To Binu Anyagati Nahin’, Jayadeb Puraskar in 1999, Awards from Citic Association, Chitrapuri, Banichitra, Chalachitra Jagata and 5th FITFAT Biscope Award, 2008.

Born on 23 December 1958 at Baripada in a Karan family, Mohanty started his film career in the year 1977 with the film ‘Abhiman’. He has never ever thought of doing acting or taking it as a profession in his life. Few producers, story writers and music composers used to live in his hometown Baripada, who noticed me once while he was 22 years old and approached him for acting. He was studying Chartered Accountancy at Ludhiana and was at home during holidays. 

In his family among Three brothers and sisters, Uttam is the youngest. First he ignored them but later when they stated that Sadhu Meher wanted to meet him he agreed for a meeting. He once said to My City Links, "When I heard the name, I immediately recognized him, as he had won a National Award in 1975 for his film ‘Ankur’. I had always been inclined towards acting, so meeting him felt like a huge achievement for me, and I agreed. There were a few other actors invited for different roles. I was casually roaming around the terrace with my friends when he told me, ‘Let’s meet again tomorrow morning.’ The next day, we met, he took some photographs of me, and then said, ‘You’re doing this film.’ I replied, ‘Let me ask my family first, then I’ll confirm.’ At the time, my father was working outside the state, and my elder brother was living with me in Ludhiana. I thought that if I could convince my sisters and mother, I would complete the film within a month and then return to Ludhiana. Somehow, they agreed, and we completed ‘Abhimaan’ in just 35 days."

He was cast for the role, alongside co actress Rita Chand, who was also making her debut. On the first day of shooting, he arrived on set impeccably dressed in his finest suits, eager to make an impression. However, director Sadhu told him to shed the polished look and embody the character of a poor man. Sent back, he returned in worn out, tattered clothes, with no makeup, just raw authenticity. The result? The 1977 film became a box office sensation.

He completed his early education from M.K.C. High School. As a child he was very naughty which brought fresh complaints from outside. After matriculation he joined Maharaja Purnachandra College, Baripada for his intermediate and bachelor's in science. During his college days he was inclined more towards acting. He always tried to play the lead part in dramas. He was equally passionate about sports like badminton and table tennis. After completing graduation, he went to Ludhiana for chartered accountancy. Thereafter he stayed with his elder brother, the late Arun Ku. Mohanty, in Kolkata for some time, enrolled in a chartered accountancy course there too.

Uttam opted seriously to be an actor, and slowly stabilised his position in the Odia film industry. While staying in Kolkata he got an offer from director Dhira Biswal for the film ‘Gouri’. Later that role was given to Prasanta Nanda. The next film he did was ‘Pati Patni’ opposite Mahasweta Ray. Then a streak of films like ‘Nijhum ratira sathi’, ‘Chinha Achhinha’, ‘Ramayana’, ‘Tapasya’ and ‘Ram Balram’ happened. “A lot of incidents happened, which ultimately made me choose acting as my profession and as I became busy with films there was no other option than leaving Chartered accountancy,” he mentioned before.

Later the actor firmly established himself as a romantic star, Uttam Mohanty had become a household name, celebrated for his effortless naturalism and a distinct urban charm that set him apart from the traditional Odia screen heroes of the past.  He formed successful on-screen pairings with many leading actresses, including Rita Chand, Sujata Ananda, Tandra Roy, Mahasweta Ray, Deepa Sahu, Subhra Pati, Aparajita, Baisali, Sangeeta Das, and even non-Odia actresses like Rachana Banerjee. 

When asked about the change in his life after becoming a star, he said, "I have never changed anything in my life because I never believed in the stardom I had. Even after becoming a public figure, or as you say, a celebrity, I have remained the same as before. If you ever visit Baripada with me, you'll see me sitting at a Khali Patra (sal leaf plate) shop, chatting with people just like always."

Uttam Mohanty remains the only star in Odia cinema to have ruled the industry for nearly two decades, reigning supreme throughout the 80s and 90s. His immense popularity, especially among rural audiences, led him to take on films with rustic projects that intellectual circles often overlooked. Many critics, fellow actors, and industry veterans have acknowledged that during the financially struggling early 90s, when Odia cinema faced a crisis, it was Uttam Mohanty’s star power and dedication that kept the industry afloat. 

Even beyond mainstream commercial films, he remained a sought-after actor for offbeat and experimental projects. Thus often hailed as a one-man industry, Mohanty ruled Odia cinema for three decades, with the 1980s marking the peak of his career. He became such a busy actor that he used to shoot three films simultaneously. This happened for two times when during Dussehra three films were released starring Uttam mohanty as main lead.During this era, he was the face of numerous blockbuster films, defining the golden period of Ollywood. 

In the early eighties, Uttam Mohanty starred in nearly 20 films alongside leading actress Mahasweta Ray (Rasmi Ray). Their on-screen chemistry translated into real-life romance, and they planned to marry. However, their relationship was short-lived, and they eventually parted ways. Their last film together was ‘Palatak’ (1985). In 1988, director Prashanta Nanda brought them back on screen with ‘Ja Devi Sarbavutesu’, and they continued to share screen space in several films throughout the nineties. Uttam Mohanty also formed a successful on-screen pairing with Aparajita Mohanty, his wife, appearing together in over fifty films. They first shared the screen in ‘Astaraga’ (1982) and later tied the knot on 17 May 1987 at the Municipality Guest House in Bhubaneswar. He and Aparajita Mohanty have a son named Babushan Mohanty who has established himself as the present superstar of Ollywood.

After 1995, as he grew older, Uttam Mohanty transitioned into more character-driven roles. He portrayed significant characters in films like ‘Jashoda’, ‘Subhadra’, and ‘Kalamanika’. In the later years of his career, he also made a mark on television. Some of his most popular Odia serials include ‘Je Pakhi Ude Jete Dura’, ‘Sara Akash’, ‘Panatakani’, and ‘Uttaradayi’. His portrayal of Bikhu Bhai in ‘Sara Akash’ remains one of his most memorable performances. He also appeared in Hindi serials like ‘Palash’ and the Bengali serial ‘Bideshini Bohu’. Beyond films and television, he contributed to music albums and devotional bhajans, further showcasing his versatility as an artist.

While addressing the aspiring actors, Mohanty once said, “Technology is a great help for today’s generation, working then in films was really very tough with limited technology available. So I would suggest they become hardworking and please do listen to your directors and try to find out what he wants you to do. If the director is making some mistake then you should also point it out and discuss it with him/her. If you are dedicated to work then there will be no looking back.”

We at My City Links are praying for his holy soul to rest in peace in heaven.