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 was one of the legendary actors in the Odia film industry, leaving behind an indelible legacy. With more than 135 Odia films, 30 Bengali films, and a Hindi movie titled Naya Zeher to his credit, Uttam Mohanty’s contribution to Indian cinema remains unparalleled.

Early Life

Uttam Mohanty was born in Mayurbhanj district in Odisha. He did his early education from M.K.C High School and later attended 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 graduating in commerce, Uttam moved to Ludhiana to pursue Chartered Accountancy. He lived with his elder brother, the late Arun Kumar Mohanty, and enrolled in a chartered accountancy course. However, destiny had other plans for him.

Life And Film Career

In late 1975, while residing in Ludhiana, Uttam received a telegram from a friend in Baripada informing him about a movie named Abhimaan being made there. The film’s writer, Anand Shankar Das, was interested in casting him and requested 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.

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.

When Uttam Mohanty Met Sadhu Meher

In an interview, Uttam recalled his first meeting with Sadhu Meher. Initially, he didn’t like Sadhu Meher’s approach because of his thick voice. He guessed Mr Meher was a strict and rude kind 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 unfamiliar with that, so he failed to deliver that dialogue effectively. 

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 Grew With The Cinema

After the success of Abhimaan, Uttam dedicated himself to acting 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. Uttam’s dominance in Odia cinema earned him the title of the “one-man industry”, a testament to his enduring popularity over 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 and Aparajita Mohanty as a 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 marked the peak of Uttam’s career. 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.

About Family

Uttam Mohanty passed away on 27th February 2025, leaving behind a rich legacy. He is survived by his wife, Aparajita Mohanty, and their son, Babushan Mohanty, who has carried forward his father’s legacy in the Odia film industry. Babushan is married to Trupti Satapathy, and the couple has a son named Samarth Mohanty. 

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

His Final Days And Passing

Over the past few months, Uttam Mohanty had been battling health issues. In the end of January 2025, his condition deteriorated, leading to his hospitalization. He was later airlifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram for advanced treatment on February 8, 2025.

Despite the best medical efforts, the legendary actor passed away on 27th February 2025. His demise left an irreplaceable void in Odia cinema, and fans across Odisha mourned the loss of their beloved superstar.

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 – Kunia, Kunia Bhai

Date of Birth – 29th April, 1958

Gender  – Male

Profession  – Actor 

Age  – 66 years 9 months 29 days (On 27th Feb, 2025)

Date of Passing – 27th February 2025

Birth Place – Baripada, Odisha

Last Days – 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)

Editor’s Note:

This article has been updated following the sad demise of legendary Odia actor Uttam Mohanty on 27th February 2025. We pay tribute to his remarkable contributions to the Odia film industry.

Uttam Mohanty Sir’s contributions to Odia cinema will forever be remembered, and his films will continue to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers. His journey from a small-town boy to a cinematic legend is a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion for acting. Even though he is no longer with us, his legacy will remain immortal in the hearts of millions of Odia film lovers.

We pay our deepest respects to the legend, Uttam Mohanty. May his soul rest in peace.

If you liked this article or want to share your memories of Uttam Mohanty, please leave a comment below.

–Odisha Darsan