After Congress, now BJP expressed solidarity with the actor and demanded the immediate lifting of the ban.

“The ban on actor Manoj Mishra clearly shows the attitude of coastal people towards western Odisha. The whole controversy started after Manoj Mishra’s film ‘Mind Game’ did well both in Odisha and became critically acclaimed both in the national level. So, I condemn the ban put on him and request the producers to immediately revoke it,” BJP MLA Nauri Nayak said.

“Most importantly, Kuna Tripathy who is also from western Odisha, has remained silent all this while. The matter would not have escalated this far if he had intervened and solved it at the earliest. So, I want to send a message to Kuna Tripathy, if he really is from western Odisha and loves the people, then he should immediately resolve the issue,” he added.

Earlier, BJP MLA Mukesh Mahaling also had demanded the revocation of the ban on the actor. He lambasted actor Anubhav Mohanty and the ruling BJD and asked them to learn something from PM Modi under whose leadership Odia artists have won the Padma Shri Awards.

On the other hand, actor Jitu Mangaraj has accused Manoj Mishra of sowing the seed of hatred in the Odia film industry.

“Western Odisha has produced so many talented actors and the industry is proud of them all. I respect them all. I have never spoken a word against western Odisha. So, I request Manoj Mishra not to divide the state for his own personal gains,” Jitu said.

“If proven wrong, I will beg apology to all the people of Odisha and fans. The matter will be solved if ego is put aside,” he added.

No comments could be obtained from Manoj Mishra in this regard.

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)