Mumbai:ONT Bureau :6/1/17:Sudden death of veteran actor Om Puri due to massive heart attack this morning, cine personalities of the Odia movie industry remembered the legendary artist with a grief-stricken heart.
Director Manmohan Mahapatra said the “Death of Ompuri end an era of a art cinema actor’, After getting the information on Omji’s demise, I am left speechless..”
OmPuri had acted in a lead role in Shodh directed by Biplab Roy Chowdhury,and produced by Odia producer from cuttack Sitakant Mishra,this film won Golden Lotuos in 27th National Film award besides it also adjudged best colour cinematography for Rajan Kinagi, This film was based on the Bengali book Gorom Bhat O Nichhok Bhooter Goppo (Steaming Rice and a Ghost Story) by Sunil GangopadhyayBijay Mohanty, a veteran actor and NSD batch mate of Om Puri, said, “The demise of Omji is an irreparable loss for the Indian movie industry. Nothing can be more tragic for me as I have lost a friend. I will pray Lord Jagannath to rest his soul in peace.”
Expressing similar views, another veteran actor Ajit Das said, “Omji is a idol for us. While studying at the NSD, I was having problems in Hindi accent and used to seek advice from Omji to improve on that area. He used to call me ‘Ajitey’.” “One of his strengths is his unique voice, which will keep him alive in our memory in many years to come,” Das added.