Bhubaneswar: Prominent Odia music director Shantanu Mohapatra passed away at a private hospital here on Wednesday. He was 85. Mohapatra reportedly lost his long battle with acute pneumonia and kidney ailment at 12.30 am, informed Kousik Mohapatra, son of the legendary music director.

Notably, the multi-talented artist of Odisha, Mohapatra was associated with Odia music industry for almost 60 years. He had directed the music of many heart touching songs in several blockbuster Odia movies including Suryamukhi, Arundhati, Chilika Tire and Dora. He composed first Modern Odia ballad “Konark Gatha” with lyrics by Lyricist Gurukrushna Goswami and sung by Akshay Mohanty. Another evergreen song ‘Kalijae’ which was sung by Sikandar Alam is also one of his contributions.

A multitude of dignitaries including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, prominent personalities from the music and film industries have condoled the demise of Mohapatra.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that Mohapatra was an indomitable figure in Indian music. He had sacrificed his entire life for music. His contribution to the music industry will keep him alive in the hearts of millions of music lovers. Odisha has lost one of his greatest sons. May his soul rest in peace,” the CM mentioned through a release.

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