Guwahati: Veteran Odia actor and first actor from Odisha to receive National Award for Best Actor Sadhu Meher died at his residence in Mumbai on Friday, the Odisha Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.
Meher, who hailed Boudh district in Odisha, was 84.
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He essayed key characters in films made by directors such as Mrinal Sen, Shyam Benegal and Tapan Sinha.
Meher also acted, directed and produced several Odia movies.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik mourned Meher’s demise and said that he has left a mark with his flawless performances in both Hindi and Odia films.
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“Meher is the first Odia actor to be honoured with the National Film Award. His departure is an irreparable loss to the art world,” Patnaik said.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of Sadhu Meher.
The PM wrote in X, “The demise of Shri Sadhu Meher Ji is a profound loss for the world of films and our cultural heritage. A stalwart in both Hindi and Odia cinema, his cinematic performances and dedication were exemplary. My thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and many fans mourning this irreplaceable loss. In his memory, we cherish the rich artistic heritage he leaves behind. Om Shanti.”
Meher bagged the National Film Award for Best Actor for ‘Ankur’.
In his early career, Meher acted in Mrinal Sen’s ‘Bhuban Shome’ (1969) and ‘Mrigaya’ (The Royal Hunt, 1977) and Shyam Benegal’s ‘Ankur’ (The Seeding, 1974).
He was also part of the popular detective series Byomkesh Bakshi.
Born in Guvellipadar village near Palsagura in the Boud district, Meher later entered into Odia film industry.
Meher also acted in several Bengali films including those directed by Buddhadev Dasgupta, Sandip Ray and Utpalendu Chakraborty.
Meher was honoured with Padma Shri in 2017 for a lifetime contribution to the field of entertainment.
He was also felicitated by the Odisha government with Jaydev Samman in 2011.