Uttam Mohanty Biography

When we talk about the Odia Film industry, then there are so many great names just popping into the mind and the name Uttam Mohanty is one of them. He is one of the legendary actors in the Odia film industry. He has more than 135 Odia films to his name. Also, he has acted in 30 Bengali films and a Hindi movie named ‘Naya Zeher.’

Early Life

Uttam Mohanty was born in Mayurbhanj district in Odisha. He did his early education from M.K.C High School and M.P.C. Baripada College, where he actively participated in plays. Uttam was more inclined towards acting during his college days. He always wanted to play the lead character in dramas. Also, he was equally passionate about sports like badminton and table tennis. 

After completing his graduation in commerce, he moved to Ludhiana for Chartered Accountancy. After that, he lived with his elder brother (late Arun Kumar Mohanty) and enrolled in a chartered accountancy course.

Life And Film Career

In late 1975, when Uttam was living in Ludhiana with his elder brother, he received a telegram from a friend of his native Baripada. In that letter, his friend informed him that a movie named Abhimaan was being made in Baripada, and the writer of the film Anand Shankar Das asked for his latest photos. 

Although Uttam had a keen interest in acting, he sought his brother’s permission for the same. But his brother rejected that request and advised him to concentrate on his studies.

When Uttam Mohanty Met with Sadhu Meher

Later, when Uttam came to his home for a month during holidays, the writer of the film Anand Shankar Das saw him at a local tea shop, where they used to gather. Although writer Das already knew Uttam Mohanty, he suggested Uttam meet Sadhu Meher, the film writer of the award-winning Hindi film Ankur. The film Abhimaan was also being made under Sadhu Meher, so he agreed to meet him.

In an interview, Uttam has shared, when he met Sadhu Meher for the first time, he didn’t like Sadhu Meher’s approach because of his thick voice. He guessed Mr Meher was a strict type of person. 

In the meeting, Sadhu Meher gave a dialogue chit to Uttam Mohanty to read. But, the dialogue was from a mythological subject, and Uttam had never read it before, so he failed to deliver that dialogue properly. 

Though there were many contenders for the lead role, the director Sadhu Meher had a special interest in Uttam’s capability and his charismatic looks. So finally, Sadhu selected him. In that film, Rita Chand was also debuting as his co-actress. Despite both being debut, the 1977 film Abhimaan was a box office hit.

Life Grown With The Cinema

Uttam now focused seriously on being an actor and slowly built his position in the Odia film industry. While staying in Kolkata, he got an offer from director Dhira Biswal for his upcoming film Gouri. Later that role was given to Prasanta Nanda. The next film he did was Pati Patni with co-actress Mahasweta Ray. Then he appeared in a line of films like Nijhum ratira sathi, Ramayana, Chinha Achhinha, Tapasya, Ram Balram. 

By the time he was established as a romantic star, Uttam was especially adored for his effortless natural acting in front of the camera. He made successful screen pairings with many leading actresses like Rita Chand, Sujata Ananda, Tandra Roy, Mahasweta Ray, Deepa Sahu, Subhra Pati, Aparajita, Baisali, Sangeeta Das, even with the winner of Miss Calcutta 1990, Rachna Banerjee and also with other non-Odia actresses. Often hailed as the one-man industry, even he dominated Odia cinema for three decades.

In the early eighties, he played in almost 20 movies opposite leading actress Mahasweta Ray. But due to some issues, they didn’t continue further for certain years in any film. “Palatak” (1985) was their last film. But again, the pair came up on the screen in 1988 by Prashanta Nanda with the movie “Ja Devi Sarbavutesu.” Later, they both appeared in a lot of movies in the nineties. 

Uttam Mohanty & Aparajita Mohanty As Couple 

Uttam has more than fifty films with his wife, Aparajita Mohanty. They first appeared together in Astaraga (1982). While sharing the memory about his marriage with Aparajita, Uttam took almost five years to convince Aparajita for the marriage. When he proposed to her, she straightly replied, she couldn’t do anything about this, and Uttam could talk with her mother. Finally, one day on the shooting set, he spoke to Aparajita’s mother about their marriage, and she agreed. Later, they married on 17 May 1987 in Bhubaneswar. 

Stardom Within The Industry 

The 1980s were the pinnacle of his career. Many Ollywood films of the 1980s had Uttam Mohanty in them, and throughout the period, he dominated the Odia film industry. He excelled in many versatile roles like romantic, action, family drama, and also in off-beat movies like Sashti (1989), which positioned his image as Super Star of Odia Cinema. 

He also acted in several bi-lingual movies made in Odia and Bengali, like Michha Maya Sansar (1989), Bidhira Bidhan (1989), Maa (1992) & Baadshah (1993), are some of the notable movies. The pair Uttam and his wife Aparajita Mohanty made a great fan base in Bengal, and some of his films were regularly dubbed in Bengali. 

Uttam Mohanty is the only star in the Odia cinema industry to have been at the top for nearly two decades, dominating the Odia film fraternity throughout the 80’s and 90’s period. 

Many critics, fellow actors, and seniors have often expressed their views positively while talking about Uttam’s career. They shared when the Odia film industry was under heavy financial stress; It was only Uttam Mohanty’s efforts and charm that saved the industry.

Second Innings Of His Film Career

Towards 1994 Sidhant Mohapatra emerged as the new lead sensation in Odia cinemas. After 1995, due to his growing age, Uttam got more character roles only. Films like Subhadra (1995), Jashoda (1996), Kalamanika (1996) are some of his best movies when we talk about character roles. 

In the later period of his career, he also took television roles. Serials like Je Pakhi Ude Jete Dura, Katha Kahuthile Saribani, Sara Akash, Panatakani, and Uttardayi are the most popular. His role as Bikhu Bhai in Sara Akash is memorable. He has also contributed to music albums and Bhajans.

Some movies of Uttam Mohanty, like Abhiman, Danda Balunga, Bhakta Salabega, are even remembered today for his spectacular acting. He also worked in approx 30 Bengali films and one Hindi film, “Naya Jahar” opposite Satabdi Roy.

Family & Current Status

Uttam Mohanty now lives in Bhubaneswar with his family. He and Aparajita Mohanty have a son named Babushan Mohanty, who has also established himself as one of the frontline Ollywood stars. In 2014, Babushaan got married to Trupti Satapathy and recently, on 6th April, 2021 they had a son named Samarth Mohanty. 

Currently, Uttam is interested in enhancing his knowledge in the area of politics. He has won many Odia Filmfare awards and prizes as the best actor. Several societies and institutions have honoured him as a living legend of Ollywood cinema.

Awards And Accreditation

• Odisha Living Legend Award 2012
• State Film Award as Best actor for Phula Chandana, Jhiati Sita Pari, Danda Balunga, Suna Chadhei
• State Film Award as Best Supporting Actor for To Binu Anyagati nahin.
• Jayadeb Puraskar in 1999
• Awards from Citic Association, Chitrapuri, Banichitra, Chalachitra Jagata
• 5th FITFAT Biscope Award, 2008

Uttam Mohanty Movies (Filmography)

• 1977 – Abhimaan
• 1978 – Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja
• 1978 – Pati Patni
• 1978 – Danda Balunga
• 1978 – Ramayan
• 1979 – Chinha Achinha
• 1979 – Nijhum Ratira Sathi
• 1980 – Ram Balaram
• 1981 – Akshay Trutiya
• 1981 – Arati
• 1982 – Astaraga
• 1982 – Baje Bainshi Nache Ghungura
• 1982 – Dekh Khabar Rakh Najar
• 1983 – Abhilasha
• 1983 – Jhiatie Sita Pari
• 1983 – Ram Rahim
• 1984 – Jai Phula
• 1984 – Janani
• 1985 – Chaka Bhaunri
• 1985 – Jaga Hatare Pagha
• 1985 – Mamata Mage Mula
• 1985 – Palatak
• 1985 – Puja Phula
• 1985 – Samay Bada Balaban
• 1985 – School Master
• 1986 – Sahari Bagha
• 1986 – Sata kebe Luchi rahena
• 1986 – Aei Ama Sansara
• 1986 – Jor Jar Mulak Tar
• 1986 – Paka Kambal Pot Chhata
• 1987 – Badhu Nirupama
• 1987 – Chaka Akhi Sabu Dekhuchi
• 1987 – Aei Ta Duniya
• 1987 – Golamgiri
• 1987 – Anyaya Sahibi Nahi
• 1987 – Michha Mayara Sansara
• 1987 – Phula Chandan
• 1987 – Suna Chadhei
• 1987 – Tunda Baida
• 1988 – Thili Jhia Heli Bohu
• 1988 – Jahaku Rakhibe Ananta
• 1988 – Bada Bhauja
• 1988 – Kanyadana
• 1988 – Papa Punya
• 1988 – Pua Mora Kala Thakura
• 1988 –Chaka Dola Karuchi Lila
• 1989 – Daiba Daudi
• 1989 – Hasa Luha Bhara Duniya
• 1989 –Rajanigandha
• 1989 – Nyaya Anyaya
• 1989 – Paradeshi Chadhei
• 1989 – Thakura Achhanti Chau Bahaku
• 1990 – Topae Sindura Di Topa Luha
• 1990 – Sasti
• 1990 – Ja Devi Sarba Bhuteshu
• 1990 –Gopare Badhuchi Kala Kanhei
• 1990 – Raja Rani
• 1990 – Kandhei
• 1990 – Panchu Pandav
• 1990 – Nua Bhauja
• 1990 – Bidhira Bidhan
• 1991 – Naya Zaher (Hindi)
• 1991 – Aama Ghara Aama Sansara
• 1991 – Mukti Tirtha
• 1991 – Bastra Haran
• 1991 – Akuha Katha
• 1991 – Kapala Likhan
• 1991 – To Binu Anya Gati Nahi
• 1992 – Badshah
• 1992 – Bhisma Pratigyan
• 1992 – Maa
• 1992 – Sukha Sansara
• 1993 – Sukher Swarga (Bengali)
• 1993 – Bhagya Hate Dori
• 1993 – Dadagiri
• 1994 – Akuha Katha
• 1994 – Naga Jyoti
• 1994 – Pacheri Uthila Majhi Duaru
• 1995 – Rakata Kahiba Kie Kahara
• 1996 – Sakala Tirtha To Charane
• 1997 – Lakhe Siba Puji Paichi Pua
• 1997 – Raghu Arakhita
• 1998 – Sahara Jaluchi
• 1999 – Kala Chakra
• 1999 – Maa Pari Kie Haba
• 2001 – Baazi
• 2001 – Mo Kola To Jhulana
• 2002 – Dharma Sahile Hela
• 2002 – Samaya Kheluchi Chaka Bhaunri
• 2002 – Sei Jhiati
• 2005 – Agni Parikshya
• 2005 – Om Shanti Om
• 2007 – Ae Jugara Krushna Sudama
• 2007 – Mu Tate Love Karuchi
• 2007 – Tumaku Paruni Ta Bhuli
• 2009 – Romeo – The Lover Boy
• 2009 – Ailare Odia Pua
• 2009 – Tu Mori Pain
• 2009 – Pagala Karichi Paunji Tora

Uttam Mohanty Bio Details

Name  – Uttam Mohanty

Nick Name – Uttam Da

Date of Birth – 29th April, 1954

Gender  – Male

Profession  – Actor 

Age  – 70 (As for 2024)

Birth Place – Baripada

Currently Living – Bhubaneswar

Nationality – Indian

Religion – Hindu

Debut Film – Abhimaan (1977)

Marital Status – Married

Wife – Aparajita Mohanty

Children – Babushan Mohanty

Daughter In Law– Trupti Satapathy

Grandchildren – Samarth Mohanty (Gwan)

Finally, we wish that God bless him with a great healthy life. He will continue his part of the contribution to society and inspire the younger generation to follow his path, especially in the acting profession. 

Here, you can also find out more about Uttam Mohanty’s wife Aparajita Mohanty.

Dear Readers, if you like the article, then kindly share your thoughts here. Also, If I have missed something to mention here and need to update within this list, please let me know below in the comment section. – Odisha Darsan