Renowned cinematographer Dillip Ray, celebrated for his vast contributions to both Odia and Bengali cinema, passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar after a short illness, his family confirmed on Saturday.
72-year-old Ray breathed his last on Friday night. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his deep condolences over Ray’s passing, describing it as a profound and permanent loss to the state’s cultural and artistic landscape.
“His extraordinary artistic contributions to enriching the Odia film industry will always remain memorable. His departure is an irreparable loss to our world of art and culture,” Majhi said in a social media post, while extending condolences to the bereaved family.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed grief over the demise of eminent Odia cinematographer Dillip Ray. In a post on X, he said Ray‘s contribution to Odia as well as Indian cinema and television was unparalleled and that his dedication to the film industry would always be remembered.
Born in Cuttack on July 27, 1954, Ray honed his craft in cinematography at the Film and Television Institute (FTI) in Bengaluru before launching a distinguished career that spanned several decades.
An acclaimed professional, he won the Odisha State Film Award for Best Cinematography five times and shot over 80 Odia feature films, roughly 15 Bengali movies, and multiple Chhattisgarhi projects. His extensive portfolio also featured documentaries and TV serials.
Among his notable Odia films are ‘Tisandhya’, ‘Baje Bainsi Nache Ghungura’, ‘Chaka Bhaunri’, ‘Ei Ta Dunia’, ‘Mamata Ra Dora’, ‘Majhi Pahacha’, and ‘Bidhira Bidhana’.
