President Droupadi Murmu expressed sorrow at the demise of Jharana Das and remarked that the legendary actor would always be recognised for her contributions to the Odia cinema industry. Naveen Patnaik, the chief minister of Odisha, declared that her final rites would be held with due state honours. Many other state officials from the eastern region expressed their sorrow at the veteran actor's passing.
Veteran Odia actor Jharana Das passed away at her home, according to family sources. She was 77. Das, who was suffering from an age-related ailment, was given the prestigious Jaydev Puraskar award by the state government for her lifetime achievements in the Odia film industry. Family sources claim that she died on Thursday night. President Droupadi Murmu tweeted, "Saddened to know about the demise of legendary Odia actress Jharana Das. She will always be remembered for her outstanding contribution to Odia film industry. My deepest condolences to the family and her admirers."
Who Was Jharana Das?
Jharana Das, born in 1945, started her acting career in the 1960s and won many honours for her exceptional performances in classic films like Shree Jagannath, Nari, Adinamegha, Hisabnikas, Pujafula, Amadabata, Abhinetri, Malajanha, and Heera Nella.
At a period when few people opted to travel the path, Jharana Das decided to pursue a career in film. To follow her calling, she anticipated pushback from her family. Their family agreed to let Das follow her goals after being persuaded by their brother, an Indian Air Force officer.
While still a college student, she started working as a voice dramatist for radio programmes. She even had voice culture education in Kolkata, which gave her acting in movies a new dimension.
Das had previously worked for All India Radio (AIR), Cuttack, as a child announcer and artist. She had previously worked for Doordarshan in Cuttack as an assistant station director. Many people praised her direction in the biographical film on the former chief minister of Odisha, Harekrushna Mahtab.
In addition, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra provided training to Das in the Odissi dancing style. She has received the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra award.
Jharana Das was given the Jayadev award by the government of Odisha for her outstanding contributions to the arts; in addition to theatre and film, she also worked in radio drama and voice-over art.
Suggested Reading: Retired Indian Headmaster With Longest Ear Hair Makes Guinness World Record