December 2, 2022: Veteran Odia film actress Jharana Das on Thursday died at her residence in Cuttack at the age of 77. Das is a winner of the state government's prestigious 'Jaydev Puraskar' for her lifetime contribution to Odia film industry, was suffering from old age-related aliment.

Born in 1945, Das started her acting career in the 60s and had won several accolades for her brilliant performance in landmark films like Shree Jagannath, Nari, Adinamegha, Hisabnikas, Pujafula, Amadabata, Abhinetri, Malajanha and Heera Nella.

Das had also worked as a child artist and announcer with the All India Radio (AIR), Cuttack. She had also worked as an assistant station director of Doordarshan in Cuttack. Her direction in the biographical documentary on former Odisha chief minister Harekrushna Mahtab was lauded by many.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik express grief over the death of the actress and announced that her last rites will be performed with full state honours.

Patnaik said in a statement, "Her impactful performance on stage and film will always be remembered. May her soul rest in peace and my condolence to the bereaved family".

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also condoled Das's death.