Veteran Odia actor Sarat Pujari, who left an imprint on Ollywood during his career spanning five-dacade, died following a heat attack here early today.
Pujari (80) is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons, family sources said.
Recipient of many honours, Pujari had acted in around 50 films after beginning his career as a block designer and publicity agent after completing post-graduation in Economics and Diploma in Paintings from Allahabad University in 1956.
In 1959, he joined as a lecturer at a private college in Bargarh and made foray into the world of cinema almost simultaneously with a debut in "Maha Laxmi".
He became a free-lance film actor from September 1966 to September 1968 to learn the technique of Film-making. Thereafter, he was principal of a college in Bargarh at the young age of 34.
Prominent and famous Odia films in which Pujari acted include "Jiban Sathi", "Kaa", "Arundhati", "Matira Manisha", "Tapoi", "Asanta Graha", "Astaraga", "Aranya Rodana", Bhukha" and "Andha Diganta".
Pujari was nominated by the State Government as member of Orissa Sangeeta Natak Academy, Member of the Board of Director of Film Development Corporation of Orissa.
He retired as the principal of Sangeet Nataka college, Bhubaneswar.
Pujari was also President of Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi.
An avid fan of drama and other performing arts since his student days, Pujari has also acted in some television serials. He has also directed a few Odia films, including Tapoi and Ashanta graha.
The state Government conferred upon him the "Jayadev Award" for his significant contribution to Odia Film Industry. He was also honored with first Hemant Das Kala Samman Award, Kadambini Samman Awards for 2010 and Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award for 2007.
Apart from cine-lovers, a host of distinguished personalities from all spheres including art, culture and the film world mourned the death of Pujari.
His last rites would be held at the temple town of Puri, sources said.
