Eminent dramatist, Odia script writer Bijay Mishra passes away at 83

BHUBANESWAR: Eminent dramatist, lyricist, film director and script writer Bijay Mishra passed away on Sunday. He was 83.
Actively involved in Odia film and theatre for last six decades Mishra has written over 60 plays and scripts of more than 50 Odia films. His two directed films ‘Jajabara’ and ‘Rajanigandha’ are cult films of Odia cinema while many of his dramas still run houseful.A pall of gloom spread across the state with the news of sad demise of Mishra.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep grief at the passing away of noted dramatist Bijay Mishra. “Late Sri Mishra was a leading dramatist of the contemporary times. His contribution to Odia literature and Odia film industry is immense,” he tweeted. The CM conveyed his deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
Mishra has won many awards and accolades including the prestigious Jayadev Samman- the highest award for contribution to the field of cinema last year. He also won Kendra Sahitya Akademi award for his play ‘Vanaprastha’. His play ‘Tata Niranjana’ has been translated in several languages including Nepali ans Kannada and has received best play status, a national award from the All India Radio and has been broadcast simultaneously from 18 different languages.
Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Pratap Sarangi condoled the death of Bijay Mishra and said his contribution to the field of Odia literature and theatre is incomparable.
Some of his other outstanding plays are Jadukar, Ashanta Graha, Asatya Sahara, Jajabara, Pratikhya, Last Train, Bhanga Aaina, Akada Labanya and Achnak Akasmat.