Bhubaneswar, June 27 (UDN): Renowned cinematographer Dillip Ray, celebrated for his extensive contribution to Odia and Bengali cinema, passed away late Friday night due to age-related illness. He was 69.
Ray had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar after falling ill over the past few days. He breathed his last on the same day the Odisha State Film Awards for 2023–24 were being presented, an event in which he had previously served as a jury member.
A five-time winner of the Odisha State Film Award for Best Cinematography, Ray was regarded as one of the most respected figures in regional cinema. Over his illustrious career, he worked on more than 70 Odia films and 15 Bengali films, along with contributions to Chhattisgarhi cinema, documentaries, and television productions.
His notable works include acclaimed films such as Tisandhya, Baje Bainsi Nache Ghungura, Chaka Bhaunri, Ei Ta Dunia, Mamata Ra Dora, Majhi Pahacha, Bidhira Bidhana, Maa Mote Shakti De, Suna Sansara, Ganga Jamuna, Chini, and Bhija Mati, among others.
Ray was a diploma holder in Motion Picture Photography from the Film and Television Institute in Bengaluru. His excellence in cinematography earned him multiple honours, including the Filmfare Award, Doordarshan National Award, and several state-level recognitions.
The news of his passing has led to widespread grief across the Odia and Bengali film industries. Filmmakers, actors, and technicians have paid tribute, describing his demise as an irreparable loss to regional cinema.
Colleagues remembered him as a pioneering visual storyteller who played a vital role in elevating the standard of Odia filmmaking. His last rites are scheduled to be performed at Swargadwar in Puri.
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