<p>Noted Odia actor Minaketan Das, well-known in the state's film and television industry for his negative roles, passed away after a prolonged illness.<br /><br />Das (56), who had been undergoing treatment at a Mumbai hospital breathed his last yesterday night at his residence here, family sources said.<br /><br />A versatile artist, Das had carved a special place among the audience with his talent and performance, particularly through portrayal of negative roles.<br /><br />Popular in the industry, Minaketan had created many admirers among cine lovers for his acting skills in theatre, cinema and television.<br /><br />Das was known for his acting in a number of Odia films including Balunga Toka, Jianta Bhuta and Most Wanted.<br /><br />Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have condoled his death.<br /><br />"Saddened to learn of the demise of actor Minaketan Das. It is a great loss for Odia film industry. My thoughts & prayers with his family," Patnaik said in a twitter post.<br /><br />"Heartfelt condolences to friends and family of Ollywood 'bad man' Minaketan Das, an actor who won many hearts but lost his battle against cancer," Pradhan tweeted.<br /><br />A pall of gloom descended on the movie and theatre industry as the news of his demise spread.<br /><br />Many admirers and distinguished cine and TV personalities visited his house to pay tributes to the late artist.</p>
<p>Noted Odia actor Minaketan Das, well-known in the state's film and television industry for his negative roles, passed away after a prolonged illness.<br /><br />Das (56), who had been undergoing treatment at a Mumbai hospital breathed his last yesterday night at his residence here, family sources said.<br /><br />A versatile artist, Das had carved a special place among the audience with his talent and performance, particularly through portrayal of negative roles.<br /><br />Popular in the industry, Minaketan had created many admirers among cine lovers for his acting skills in theatre, cinema and television.<br /><br />Das was known for his acting in a number of Odia films including Balunga Toka, Jianta Bhuta and Most Wanted.<br /><br />Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have condoled his death.<br /><br />"Saddened to learn of the demise of actor Minaketan Das. It is a great loss for Odia film industry. My thoughts & prayers with his family," Patnaik said in a twitter post.<br /><br />"Heartfelt condolences to friends and family of Ollywood 'bad man' Minaketan Das, an actor who won many hearts but lost his battle against cancer," Pradhan tweeted.<br /><br />A pall of gloom descended on the movie and theatre industry as the news of his demise spread.<br /><br />Many admirers and distinguished cine and TV personalities visited his house to pay tributes to the late artist.</p>