Veteran Cinematographer Dillip Ray Passes Away at 69, Leaves Behind Rich Cinematic Legacy

Bhubaneswar: Veteran cinematographer Dillip Ray, a prominent name in Odia and Bengali cinema, passed away late on Friday night after battling age-related health complications. He was 69.

Ray had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar for the past few days. His demise coincided with the presentation ceremony of the Odisha State Film Awards 2023-24, for which he had served as a member of the jury.

Widely regarded as one of the finest cinematographers in the regional film industry, Ray received the Odisha State Film Award for Best Cinematography five times during his illustrious career. Over the years, he worked on more than 70 Odia films, around 15 Bengali films, and several Chhattisgarhi productions, in addition to contributing to documentaries and television serials.

Some of his most acclaimed Odia films include 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.

Ray earned a diploma in Motion Picture Photography from the Film and Television Institute in Bengaluru. Besides multiple Odisha State Film Awards, he was also honoured with the Filmfare Award, the Doordarshan National Award, and several other prestigious recognitions for his contribution to cinema.

His passing has triggered an outpouring of condolences from members of the Odia and Bengali film fraternity, who remembered him as a visionary whose work helped shape and elevate regional cinema. Many described his death as a significant loss to the film industry.

His last rites will be performed at Swargadwar in Puri.