Bhubaneswar: Veteran Odia actor Rabi Mishra passed away at a private hospital in the Capital City on Wednesday following a cardiac arrest. He was 64.
According to a family source, he had complained of chest pain last evening and was admitted to the hospital.
Mishra, who performed in many popular movies, television serials and over hundred plays, was the main character in the popular television serial-‘Gopala Rahasya’. He became a household name because of the lively character of Gopala Bhanda he played in the series.
The eminent actor ruled the Ollywood and television industries for over two decades. He is known for his performance in super hit movies such as ‘Bhai Hela Bhagari’, ‘Sakala Tirtha’, ‘Soubhagyabati’, ‘Maa Pari Kie Haba’, “Rakhi Bhijigala Aakhi Luhare’, ‘Mana Rahiagal Tumari Thare’, ‘Mukhyamantri’ and many others.
Mishra was a versatile actor. He excelled both in the negative and positive characters in his acting career spanning over two decades. He was currently playing the father character in a popular television serial-‘He Prabhu’.
A host of Ollywood personalities, politicians and fans including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Petroleum and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan mourned Mishra’s demise.
“His contributions to Odia films and popular television serials will leave an unforgettable imprint for all times to come. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. May his departed soul rest in peace,” Patnaik tweeted.
Odisha Cine Artistes’Association President Sritam Das described Mishra as a genius who left an indelible mark in Odia film and television industry.
“He felt the chest pain while acting in a heart attack scene yesterday and unfortunately succumbed to the stroke today. His absence will create a big loss for the industry,” Das said
In a tweet, Union minister Pradhan said, “I am saddened by the demise of popular actor Rabi Mishra. He became a household name when he starred in the television series-‘Gopala Rahasya’. His contribution in the field of acting will always be remembered.”
BJP National Vice-President Baijayant Panda also mourned the death of the veteran actor.
“The demise of Rabi Mishra has created a great void in the Odia theatre, film and television industries. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. May the departed soul rest in peace,” Panda tweeted.
(Edited by Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty)