Popular Jatra actor Mahendra Das passes away

Keywords: Mahendra Das, Bhiku Seth, jatra, Avisekh Rath, Cuttack,
Renowned Jatra actor Mahendra Das, who was popular as Bhiku Seth, a character he had played in a play, passed away following a heart attack at his residence in Cuttack today. He was 57. Jatra lovers and people from the Odia entertainment sector are shocked to know about his sudden demise.

According to family sources, he was shooting for a play that was to be telecast on TV.He left the sets two days ago, complaining that he was feeling uncomfortable. He suffered a massive heart attack today and was rushed to hospital where he was declared dead.
Das, who was born in Puri in 1963, was known for his negative roles in numerous plays for different Jatra troupes in over three decades of his career. The play, Saguna Basichhi Dena Melai, which was staged around 28 years ago, gave him recognition asBhiku Seth- a Gabbar-like villain.Though other forms of entertainment have gained popularity over the years, his fans remember his Jatra dialogues like ‘Naa Ta Taha hele Meena...’, ‘Shaguna Khumpia Dela lo...’ and many more.
Actor Avisekh Rath paid homage to Das through a social media post. “Never in my life, I have watched Jatra. But I’m a big fan of this super talented antagonist Bhiku Seth (Mahendra Das). Really shocked to hear about his demise. You’ll be missed (sic),” he wrote.