Bhubaneswar: Veteran Odia opera (Jatra) artiste Rabi Satpathy (68) breathed his last today.

Satpathy was suffering from cancer for last few months. He passed away at his residence at Agapala village under Kujang block in Jagatsinghpur district at 7.40 pm in the evening.

Satpathy, known as the comedy king of Odia opera, had acted in at least 500 plays of several opera troupes including Janata, Gouri and Konark in his career.

Satpathy developed certain health complications in June this year. He was later diagnosed with cancer, sources said.

He was given chemotherapy and other treatment at a hospital in the capital city here. However, his condition did not improve, sources said.

Satpathy rose to fame as a comedian by acting in popular Odia play ‘Saguna Basichhi Dena Melei’ in 1990s.