Noted Odia film producer & director Amiya Patnaik passes away

Bhubaneswar: Eminent Odia producer/director and industrialist Amiya Patnaik breathed his last at a private hospital in Delhi today.

As per reports, Patnaik died around 8:30 am today days after he was admitted to the hospital because of illness. The filmmaker, who is the younger brother of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Chief Niranjan Patnaik, is known for producing movies like 'Pardesi Babu', 'Mamata Mage Mula', 'Hakim Babu', 'Pua Moro Kalathakura' and 'Tulasi Apa'.

He has also directed a few of them. In 1978 he was adjudged the Best director in the Lok Natak Mahostav. He shot into fame with the production of the play ‘Byabhichara’ in 1981.

A pall of gloom descended in the film fraternity with condolences pouring in from different quarters following the demise of Patnaik.

"It is a sad news. I was constantly in touch with his family members to get updates on his health status after he was admitted to the hospital in Delhi. Amiya babu played an instrumental role in the development of Odia film industry," veteran actor Prasant Nanda said.

Former MP Baijayant Jay Panda took to Twitter to offer his condolences.

From a prominent family, among other successful brothers, I knew him only a little but he was always nice & came across as one with a big golden heart...
Om Shanti, may his soul rest in peace?????? https://t.co/TwPPx2Ga1j

— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) October 19, 2018