Sarat Pujari (27 August 1934 – 12 May 2014) was an Indian actor, film director, playwright, and politician associated primarily with the Odia-language film industry (Ollywood). He is recognized for his contributions to Odia cinema and theatre, as well as for his brief tenure as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India’s Parliament.
Early life and education
Sarat Pujari was born in Khandapara, then part of the princely state of Dhenkanal in British India (present‑day Odisha). He completed his higher education at Ravenshaw College in Cuttack, where he earned a degree in science before pursuing a career in the performing arts.
Career in theatre and film
Pujari began his artistic career in the 1950s as a stage actor, joining the Odisha State Cultural Centre and later the Odia drama troupe “Nandini”. He transitioned to cinema in the early 1960s, making his film debut with Jayee (1963). Over a career spanning more than four decades, he appeared in over 70 films, notable among them:
- Jibanara Daga (1966)
- Matira Manisha (1966) – a critically acclaimed social drama
- Shesha Shrabana (1976) – for which he received the Odisha State Film Award for Best Actor
- Hisab Nikas (1977)
In addition to acting, Pujari directed several films, including Bali (1974) and Maa O Meye (1975). He was also active in promoting Odia theatre, writing and directing numerous stage productions.
Political involvement
In the late 1990s, Sarat Pujari entered politics as a member of the Indian National Congress. He was appointed to the Rajya Sabha, serving from 1998 to 2004, where he contributed to discussions on cultural policy and the arts.
Personal life and legacy
Pujari was married to Prabha Pujari and had three children. He remained involved in cultural activities and mentorship of younger artists until his death from a cardiac arrest in Bhubaneswar in 2014.
His contributions to Odia cinema earned him several honors, including the prestigious Jayadev Award (2006), the highest recognition for lifetime achievement in the Odia film industry, and the Padma Shri (1991) for his services to Indian arts. Sarat Pujari is remembered as a pioneering figure who helped shape modern Odia cinema and theatre.