A look back at journey of Pintu Nanda in Ollywood

Bhubaneswar: The demise of actor Pintu Nanda has left an unfillable void in the Odia film industry. Nanda passed away while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Hyderabad, last night. He was 45.

Nanda was suffering from liver cirrhosis and admitted to the hospital recently. Doctors had advised him to undergo liver transplantation.

A pall of gloom descended on the Ollywood fraternity after the death of the actor.

He had started his acting career in Odia film industry in the year 1996. He gradually became a household name in Odisha with his performances in movies, albums and TV serials.

The actor had proved his versatility and carved a niche for himself with comedy performances and villain roles.

While he debuted in Ollywood with the film ‘Koili’, his performance in ‘Randi Pua Ananta’ aired on DD Odia had won hearts of many.

He had acted in over 70 movies including ‘Wrong Number’, ‘Bahudibe Mo Jaga Balia’, ‘Prema Rutu Asilare’, ‘Dosti’, ‘Hatha Dhari Chalutha’, ‘Rumku Jhumana’, and ‘Katha Deli Matha Chhuin’.

Nanda had won State Film Award in Best Comedian category for his performance in ‘Wrong Number’.

He delivered his most memorable performance in Sabyasachi Mohapatra-directed ‘Jai Jagannatha’, in which he portrayed the character of Lord Balarama.

Odia album number ‘E Gaura Aji Kali Kana Khauchu’ had given him immense popularity as well.