Remembering Dillip Ray: A Luminary of Odia and Bengali Cinema

A Great Loss to the Film Industry

Bhubaneswar: Dillip Ray, a renowned cinematographer celebrated for his significant impact on Odia and Bengali films, passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar after a short illness, as confirmed by his family on Saturday.

The 72-year-old filmmaker took his last breath on Friday night, leaving behind his wife and three daughters.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his sorrow over Ray's passing, calling it a tremendous loss for the cultural and artistic community of the state.

In a heartfelt social media message, Majhi remarked, "His remarkable artistic contributions to the Odia film industry will be cherished forever. His absence is a profound loss to our artistic realm."

Dillip Ray was born on July 27, 1954, in Kataka and honed his skills in cinematography at the Film and Television Institute (FTI) in Bengaluru, launching a career that spanned several decades.

A five-time winner of the Odisha State Film Award for Best Cinematography, he was involved in over 80 Odia feature films, around 15 Bengali films, and numerous Chhattisgarhi projects, in addition to documentaries and television series.

Some of his most acclaimed Odia films include Tisandhya, Baje Bainsi Nache Ghungura, Chaka Bhaunri, Ei Ta Dunia, Mamata Ra Dora, Majhi Pahacha, and Bidhira Bidhana.