Sarthak Music, the leading music production house of the state has entered the film industry with lots of promise. Music director Bikash Das who has in the past created magnificent hits such as “Jajabara”, “Emiti Ranga De” and “Mo Priya” is going to leave his mark yet again in “Akashe Ki Ranga Lagila”. His musical expertise is in infusing elements of classical heritage of Orissa with the modern experimental new waves.

Songs of “Akashe Ki Ranga Lagila” are by Bijaya Malla, Arun Mantri, Debidutta Mohanty and Mohit Chakravorty. Singers such as Udit Narayan, Suresh Wadekar, Abhijeet and Nivedita have lent their melodious voice to the awaited film.

Having made a mark in classical Odissi dance, Rali Nanda has embarked upon her celluloid path. Enacting a prominent role of being “Chutki” in Akashe Ki Ranga Lagila, Rali is accompanied on screen by another eminent dance or his time Debu Bose (who plays the role of Chutki’s father in the film). Yet another dancer in real life who is acting in the film is Sadhana Parija (Runu), an alumnus of Sangeet Natak Mahavidyala.

Shooting of “Akashe Ki Ranga Lagila” has reached the final stage boasting of a big canvas and big starcast. “Akashe Ki Ranga Lagila” team has returned Orissa after finishing a week’s shooting at Hyderabad-based renowned Ramoji Film City. The shooting started on February 26 and ended on March 6.

“Pagala Karichi Paunji Tora” is produced by Sitaram Agrawal and directed by industry’s most reliable filmmaker Sanjay Nayak. Lyrics is composed by Srikant Gautam, music direction is rendered by Prem Anand. Star cast is equally impressive: Sabyasachi, Buddhaditya, Archita, Uttam Mohanty, Aparajita, Anita Das, Pradyumna Lenka, Snigdha Mohanty, Jayiram Samal, among others.

Readers should know that the cost of treatments will run into amounts exceeding Rs60 lakhs. It is only desired that those of us who are able and willing should contribute to this cause of medical treatment.

Oriya film fraternity has extended its support towards facilitating donation for Sri Patnaik’s treatment. Orissa Cine Artist Association has informed that several “Ollywood Nite” events are being organized in Orissa to raise funds. Senior artists including Debu Bose, Bijaya Mohanty and Siddhant Mohapatra have addressed the press to make the public appeal and to show solidarity.

Orissacinema.com also requests its readers to contact Mr Bishnu Prasad Patnaik, younger brother of the filmmaker to make any timely contributions as possible, and also to extend moral supports to his family.
You may contact Mr Patnaik at the following numbers: 94370-24966, 99370-24966, 0671-2604966.

For the complete gallery, please visit here.

Photographs by Ashok Panda.

Star Cast: Sidhanta Mohapatra, Anu Chodhary, Mihir Das, Aparajita Mohanty, Mamuni Mishra, Hadu, Jorge Tiadi, Madhu, Saraswati, Debu Bramha, Manisha, Jayprakash Das, Asrumochan, Banamali Pandia, Nilu, Pintu Nanda.
Camera, Direction: Ranjan Mishra
Producer, Story: Babu Singh
Dialogue: Dr Rajani Ranjan
Make-up: Santanu
Music: Bubu Mishra

Leading Oriya actress Anu Choudhary has filed a mutually-agreed divorce petition along with her businessman-husband Sandeep Mishra.
According to lawyer Prasanta Routray, they had got married on March 3, 2006 and were living separated from each other since last three months.
Anu says, “I can’t disclose anything. It’s a family matter.” Sandeep has so far not offered comments to the press.

Eminent Oriya cine artist Tandra Ray received best actress award from Tourism Minister Debi Mishra at Jaideb Bhavan recently. Photograph by Ashok Panda