Overview

• Family members said he died at home in Gobindpur, Ganjam district, following age-related ailments.
• He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2024 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 2023.
• Born in 1918, he began training at age 10 and rose from performing Krishna roles to serving as principal singer-director.
• He founded an Akhada in his village that trained rural youth in Krishna Leela and continued practicing there even in his later years, his grandson said.
• Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, opposition leader Naveen Patnaik and senior officials visited or offered tributes as the state mourned his passing.