Time to bid adieu to 2021! Caught in the traps of a pandemic, the year was nothing usual for many of us. Embracing the new normal, we had our shares of experiences, lessons and hardships. But, how was it for the Ollywood celebrities? And, what are their expectations from 2022? Well, Odisha Bytes catches up with some celebrities from Odisha’s film industry and here’s what they had to say:
Akash Das Nayak plans to make model colleges; do parallel cinema
2021 had been a busy year for actor-turned-politician Akash Das Nayak. Among other things, what kept him preoccupied was ‘Mo College Abhiyan’ which aimed at connecting the alumni of about 800 colleges to their alma mater across the state. As the theatres opened up amid restricted conditions with a handful of releases, Akash’s ‘Herogiri’ had hit the screens. The year kept him busy shooting for his upcoming films, ‘Mahabahu’ and ‘Krukshetra.’ The actor has also been blessed with a child. As the year comes to a close, the actor hopes to have a COVID-free 2022.
“I have several things planned for my charitable foundation, Udra. I want to take Mo College Abhiyan to the next level. We are also planning to make some model colleges,” he said. On the cinema front, the actor aspires to do not just commercial but also parallel cinema. On a candid note, the actor reveals how he has resolved to spend some more time with his family and achieve fitness goals in the new year.
Anu Chowdhury is looking forward to OTT platforms
Actor Anu Chowdhury had mixed experiences in 2021. What she liked most about the year was the fact that work—which had come to a halt in 2020 due to the pandemic—resumed. But, it also brought sorrow along—as Anu puts it—since the Ollywood industry lost several personalities. “I had such good memories working with these people, who are no more. So, whenever I am on the sets, I am missing them. I miss working with them, to be precise,” she said. Though the actor is missing the crowd in the theatres, she asserts that the OTT platforms have come up as a welcome alternative.
In 2022, she has plans of working for the OTT platforms. “I want to start 2022 on a positive note. Don’t allow negativity to take a toll on you. Hope, this year will bring happiness and prosperity to all,” she said. When it comes to the new year resolution, the actor says she wants to keep her emotions under control.
Want to be in my best shape in 2022, says Prakruti Mishra
For actor Prakruti Mishra, 2021 was ‘good.’ “It was indeed a very good year for me. I actually have been very productive this year. I have done a couple of very good things. It was a very different year for my personal development and growth. I have evolved a lot in the past 365 days. I expect 2022 to be amazing and fruitful. I don’t want Omicron to hit us. We don’t want any third wave,” she said. Though she doesn’t make resolutions, the actor wants to be in her best shape in 2022. “I want to become healthier and have a better lifestyle. I tend to eat anything. But, I will now focus to keep my entire being intact,” she chuckled.
Bhoomika wants to become a better version of herself in 2022
2021 was an exciting year for actor Bhoomika Dash. “I did two to three films. I also joined my classes at SUM Hospital, where I am pursuing BDS. It was of course a bit difficult to juggle between tasks. I also spent good days with family and friends. The year was filled with good challenges. Everyone was turning to modern gadgets in 2021 as the world shifted online. But, what I learnt is that the traditional cultural system has real significance in our lives. I also understood the importance of time management,” she said. The actor wants to become a better version of herself in 2022. “I don’t have any resolutions. But, I want to work hard,” she said.
2021 was rewarding for Partha Sarathi Ray
Professionally, 2021 had been a rewarding year for actor Partha Sarathi Ray. “At a personal level, all of us had a tough time due to the lockdown. Due to a tooth surgery and back injury, I had to stay away from work for sometime. I am happy that one of my most-appreciated movies—Charitra—released this year. This boosted my confidence that the Odia cinema can be taken to a new level,” said the actor. But, for 2022, the actor has no resolutions. “For me, every day is a new day. It’s a fresh start. So, you can start with a new zeal any day and not wait for January 1st every year,” he said. The actor is looking forward to good responses for his upcoming projects. The actor is all set to do some exciting roles in 2022.
