Veteran Odia film producer and businessman Rabindra Sahu passes away

Eminent Odia film producer, businessman and social worker Rabindra Sahu passed away on Wednesday evening while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. He was 81.

A native of Kendrapara district, Sahu had been unwell for the past several days and died during treatment.

According to family members, Rabindra Sahu had been receiving treatment in Bhubaneswar following prolonged illness. Despite medical care, his condition deteriorated, and he breathed his last during treatment. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in the Odia film industry, where he remained active for over three decades.

Journey In Odia Cinema

Rabindra Sahu made his debut in the Odia film industry in 1987 as a co-producer of the film ‘Ei Ta Duniya’. The film marked the beginning of his association with Odia cinema, after which he went on to establish himself as a prominent producer known for backing commercially successful projects.

Over the years, he produced more than 15 Odia films, earning recognition for his consistent contribution to mainstream cinema. His notable productions include ‘Bastraharan’, ‘Pacheri Uthila Majhi Duaaru’, ‘Kul Nandan’, ‘Naga Panchami’, ‘Kotiere Gotie’, ‘Mani Nageswari’ and ‘Rasika Nagar,’ which was his final production.

Apart from producing films, Sahu was also associated with several projects as an actor, according to family members.

Business, Social Work And Public Life

Beyond cinema, Rabindra Sahu was a successful businessman and was actively involved in social work. He was associated with various organisations and was known for his engagement in community-related initiatives, particularly in the Kendrapara district.

He had also been active in politics. Sahu had served as a councillor in the past and later contested the Odisha Assembly elections from the Kendrapara constituency as a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Tributes Pour In

His death has triggered an outpouring of grief from the Odia film fraternity, cultural organisations and political circles. Several artistes and social organisations expressed condolences, recalling his role in shaping popular Odia cinema.

Fakir Charan Khatua, president of the Chasi Mulia Sangha and a close associate of the deceased, described Rabindra Sahu as a dedicated social worker and a producer with a strong inclination towards quality cinema. He said Sahu’s films went on to become major hits in Odisha and left a lasting impression on audiences.

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“He was a successful businessman, and he was also a dedicated social worker, with immense contributions to various organisations. He was also a noted film producer who was inclined towards making high-quality films, almost all of which have gone on to become major hits in Odisha,” he said.

Further details regarding his last rites are awaited.