Noted cine and stage artiste of yesteryear Bhanumati Devi (88) died here on Friday after a brief illness. She is survived by her only daughter.
Born in Myanmar, she came to Puri and started acting on stage before joining Odia cinema in 1954. She was an integral part of Annapurna Theatre, Cuttack, for about four decades. She played lead roles in a dozen films.
The ace actor of 60’s, who acted in Mrinal Sen’s National Award winning Odia film ‘Matira Manisha’, was vibrant throughout her career in films and theatre. Bhanumati bagged the National Award in 1966 for her role in “Matira Manisha”, a film based on social cause. She was also honoured with Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1984 and Jaydev Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2005. She last appeared on the big screen in 1986 in Odia film ‘Jaydeb’ which also went on to be a super hit.
A large number of artistes of Annapurna Rangmanch and other theatre lovers, including cine actors Smita Mohanty, Ramchandra Pratihari and Samsundar Senapati visited her residence to pay their last respects to the departed soul.
The district culture officer paid floral tributes. Her body was taken in a procession to the Swargdwar where her grandson performed the last rites.