Uttam Mohanty is a famous Indian actor in the arena of Odia Cinema, born December 23, 1958. He has his roots at Baripada, Odisha. Over five decades, Uttam has around 135 to his credit under the banner of Odia film industry, alongside 30 of Bengali ones and one under Hindi, named “Naya Zaher”. His journey starting as a town enthusiast and gaining fame as the cinematic icon really inspires and marks a dedication for art.
Early Life and Education
Uttam Mohanty passed his school life from M.K.C. High School, Baripada. He used to attend dramas and plays during the school hours, and he became an innate talent in acting. He pursued higher education with a degree in science from Maharaja Purnachandra College in Baripada. His natural interest in acting never lagged behind even during his years of studies. After fainting he briefly pursued a chartered accountant’s course- first at Ludhiana followed by at Kolkata. However he soon went to Odisha. Cinema called out to him from afar.
Career in the Film Industry
Uttam began his cinema career with Sadhu Meher’s 1977 Odia film “Abhiman,”. The film became a commercial success and his performance fetched him many accolades which made him a promising young actor in the Odia film industry. So, he followed this by one successful film after another namely “Pati Patni,” “Nijhum Ratira Sathi,” “Chinha Achinha,” and “Ramayana.” He emerges as one of the versatile actors that could carry off a plethora of characters with ease.
Career Highlights
The 1980s were the best years of Uttam Mohanty. He simply dominated the Odia film market, one of the unique one’s there is, natural acting and charming presence on-screen. He has some memorable assignments with the leading ladies of his time, like Mahasweta Ray, Tandra Roy, and later on, Aparajita Mohanty. Some of the other notable movies that come into this category include “Danda Balunga,” “Bhakta Salabega,” and “Chaka Bhaunri.” Hero for a millions, who easily crosses over from romantic to drama or action roles won the hearts of all.
Foray Beyond Odia Cinema
Other than his continuous achievements in Odia films, Uttam had made his screen presence in more than 30 Bengali films, along with a Hindi film named ‘Naya Zaher” in 1991. This kind of achievement do prove him to be an adaptable and an appealing actor across audiences.
Television and Later Work
Further ahead, he found his way into the small screen world of serials like “Je Pakhi Ude Jete Dura,” “Sara Akash,” “Panatakani,” and “Uttaradayi.” From “Sara Akash,” Bikhu Bhai is portrayed in the minds of viewers. Music albums and bhajans introduced him to a completely different form of art.
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Net Worth
Uttam Mohanty is an Odia cinema character who earned much wealth through his lifetime-working career in film and television. In the present, his net worth has been estimated at about ₹10-15 crore as of 2024, approximately $1.2–1.8 million.
Acting in films and television serials, brand endorsements, and films as a producer constitute his major source of revenues. He has also been driving the real estate business, which supplements his kitty. His wife, Aparajita Mohanty, an accomplished actress in her own right, declared assets worth about ₹4.29 crore during her 2019 political candidacy.
The accumulation of all these assets by the Mohanty family testifies to the monumental contributions they have made to the entertainment world and their extraordinary fiscal management. There are numerous awards that he has received during his career. For instance, he has received the Odisha State Film Award for Best Actor for films “Phula Chandana”, “Jhiati Sita Pari”, “Danda Balunga” and “Suna Chadhei”. In the year 1999, he received the most prized Jayadev Puraskar by awarding him his distinguished contribution towards the Odia Cinema.
He was awarded Lifetime Achievement Awardee at the 6th Tarang Cine Awards in the year 2015. In the year 2024, he receives the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Award for his extreme contribution to the world of cinema.
Personal Life
Uttam married actress Aparajita Mohanty in 1987. They had a son who was born to them on 30 July, 1989, Babushaan Mohanty. In fact, both the parents started a career when he followed to be one among the most powerful actors and play-back singers Odia film Industries. The Mohanty family residing in Bhubaneswar in Odisha.
Developments Recently
In 2017, Uttam Mohanty joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), where he professed his admiration for the developmental work undertaken by the party in Odisha. His wife, Aparajita Mohanty, had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections on a Congress ticket, and the family had been actively engaged in the state’s political landscape.
Legacy
It’s because of versatility, dedication, and connecting people across generations that the cinema of Odia will forever hold Uttam Mohanty close to their heart. Contributions did not just strengthen the film world of Odia but also made a million upcoming actors wish that they were his protégé. Till date, 2025, his films and his performances continue to be part and parcel of the rich artistic heritage of Odisha.