Veteran Cinematographer Dillip Ray Passes Away At 72

Veteran cinematographer Dillip Ray, known for his significant contributions to Odia and Bengali cinema, passed away at the age of 72 following a brief illness at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. His family confirmed that he died on Friday night, leaving behind his wife and three daughters.

Ray was widely regarded as one of the most respected visual artists in eastern Indian cinema, with a career spanning several decades. Born in Cuttack on July 27, 1954, he pursued formal training in cinematography at the Film and Television Institute of India in Bengaluru before entering the film industry.

Over the course of his career, Ray worked on more than 80 Odia feature films, around 15 Bengali films, and several Chhattisgarhi productions. He also contributed to documentaries and television serials, earning a reputation for his technical precision and artistic visual storytelling.

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His notable works in Odia cinema include films such as Tisandhya, Baje Bainsi Nache Ghungura, Chaka Bhaunri, Ei Ta Dunia, Mamata Ra Dora, Majhi Pahacha, and Bidhira Bidhana. He was a five-time recipient of the Odisha State Film Award for Best Cinematography, reflecting his consistent impact on regional cinema.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed condolences over Ray’s death, calling it an irreparable loss to the state’s cultural and artistic fraternity. He said Ray’s contribution to Odia cinema would always be remembered and extended sympathy to the bereaved family.

Film industry colleagues and cultural figures also mourned his passing, noting that Ray’s work helped shape the visual identity of modern Odia filmmaking. His death marks the end of an era for regional cinema, where his craft and artistic vision left a lasting legacy.

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