Bhubaneswar: Veteran Odia actor Raimohan Parida was allegedly found dead by suicide at his residence in Bhubaneswar on Friday, June 24. The actor, popular for playing negative roles in Odia as well as in Bengali films and was also a theatre artist. He was 58 at the time of his death.
On Friday morning, Raimohan’s body was found by his family in his room in the Prachi Vihar area of Bhubaneswar. He is survived by his wife and two daughter
The actor had texted “bye” to his daughters and wife before allegedly hanging himself inside a room at his residence in Prachi Vihar in Palasuni area. Friends and actors have been visiting his residence to pay their tributes. His neighbours said that they had met him a day before his death and found him to be his usual self, noting that he enjoyed a good relationship with everyone.
Raimohan’s death has created a void in the Odia cinema industry. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also expressed grief over his demise. “I am saddened to learn about the demise of Raimohan Parida. His sudden death has created a void in the industry. He had impeccable acting skills, he will always be remembered…,” tweeted Patnaik.
Actor Siddhanta Mahapatra, who worked with Raimohan in several films, remembered him as a ‘jolly’ person. He said, “It is hard to believe that such a jolly person, who has experienced several ups and downs in life, can think of doing something like this. He was highly successful in the profession.” Actor Sritam Das said it was unbelievable that Raimohan who had become a “hero from zero” could commit suicide.
Raimohan was very famous for his iconic villain role in Olly industry. He was playing negative roles in Odia and Bengali films, His villainous look, maniacal laughter and thundering dialogues, was bringing down the curtain on an actor who has left a legacy that will keep on inspiring actors for generations in his career spanning for over four decades.
Raimohan had acted in over 100 Odia films and 15 Bengali movies in his career, and was also a popular figure in the Odia Jatra (local theatre) world. He was a part of several superhit movies like Rama Laxman, Aasibu Kebe Saji Mo Rani, Naga Panchami, Udandi Sita, Tu Thile Mo Dara Kahaku, Rana Bhumi, Singha Bahini, Kulanandan and Kandhei Aakhire Luha. He was a recipient of the Odisha State Film Award and an Abhinandia Puraskar.
(By Nilanchal Naik)
