Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Renowned Odia Music Director Shantanu Mohapatra passed away at a private hospital due to pneumonia and kidney ailment.
Mohapatra who was 85 years old was suffering from pneumonia and kidney ailment and lost his life while battling. The news was broken by his son Kousik Mohapatra that his father passed away at around 12:30 am, Wednesday in a private hospital.
Mohapatra was an extremely talented artist of Odisha and was associated with Odia Music industry for almost 60 years. He made his debut in the Ollywood industry as a music composer. He had composed many super hit songs of Ollywood and delivered several blockbuster Odia movies like Arundhati, Chilika Tir, Dora and Suryamukhi.
He was also known for composing the first modern Odia ballad ‘Konark Gatha’, sung by Akshay Mohanty and lyrics by Lyricist Gurukrushna Goswami. He was also the first modern lullaby in AIR for ‘Soi Pada RE Dhana’ which was sung by Santilata Rout, first Bhangra tune, first fusion and jumping tone.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his on this tragic incident describing him as an immortal talent of the Indian Music Industry who has left the signature of his talent as a music composer and director.
CM said “Mohapatra was dedicated to music throughout his life. His compositions will keep him alive forever. Odisha has lost one of its talented children and offered his condolences to the family.”
CM Patnaik also announced that Mohapatra’s last rites will be performed with full state honour.
Article Written by Dikhya Mohanty
Image Source: Google
