Ollywood’s ‘Best Mother’ Anita Das Passes Away

Cuttack: A pall of gloom descended on Odia cine industry as news of veteran actress Anita Das’ demise trickled in. She died following a cardiac arrest at her Shelter Chhak residence here on Friday. She was 57.

Cine actor-MLA Akash Das Nayak is her nephew.

Anita started her career with ‘Jajabara’. She played the lead in ‘Tapasya’, ‘Ram Balaram’, ‘Krushna Sudama’ and a comical role in ‘Nagaphasa’. She has acted in over 100 films and left an impression with her mesmerising smile and convincing portrayal of the role of mother.

The senior actress was considered the ‘best mother’ in Odia cine industry. She will be remembered for her characters in ‘Pua Mora Kala Thakuara’, ‘Ki Heba Sua Poshile’, ‘Bahudibe Mo Jaga Balia’, ‘Maa Mamata’, ‘Shapath’ and ‘Swapan Sagara’. Her last films were ‘Abhay’ and ‘Sitaramanka Bahaghara Kalijugare’.

Several film personalities, including Kuna Tripathy, Mihir Das, Akash Das Nayal, Sritam Das, reached her residence to pay the last tribute to the departed soul.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also expressed deep grief over untimely death of eminent Odia film and TV personality. “She will be remembered for her immense contribution to Odia film and TV industry,” he added.

Odisha state Congress president Niranjan Patnaik said the demise of the veteran actress has left a huge void in the Odia film industry that cannot be filled.