Aparajita Mohanty is one of the most recognised and respected actresses in the Odia film industry, popularly known as Ollywood. She became famous for her charming screen presence, expressive acting and memorable performances in family dramas and romantic films. During her long career, she worked with many leading actors and filmmakers and became one of the popular female stars of Odia cinema.
Apart from acting, Aparajita has also explored film production and politics. She is widely known as the wife of late Odia actor Uttam Mohanty and the mother of actor and singer Babushaan Mohanty.
From her early days in Sambalpur to becoming a leading actress in Ollywood, her journey is an important part of Odisha’s film history.
Quick Information About Aparajita Mohanty
- Full Name: Aparajita Mohanty
- Date of Birth: 15 May 1965 (as listed on her personal biography website)
- Birthplace: Sambalpur, Odisha, India
- Profession: Actress, Film Producer and Politician
- Nationality: Indian
- Father: Abdul Aziz Khan
- Mother: Harapriya Ray
- Husband: Late Uttam Mohanty
- Son: Babushaan Mohanty
- Film Debut: Sita Labakusha (1980)
- Known For: Odia films and television
- Popular Films: Abhilasha, Jaga Hatare Pagha, Phula Chandan, Sastee, Sangram and Loafer
Who Is Aparajita Mohanty?
Aparajita Mohanty is a veteran Indian actress who has made a significant contribution to Odia cinema. She became one of the leading actresses of Ollywood during the 1980s and 1990s. Her beauty, screen presence and natural performances made her a favourite among Odia movie audiences.
She has appeared in more than 70 Odia films, according to published profiles. Over the years, she has played romantic, emotional, family-oriented and supporting characters. Her work has also extended to television and film production.
Many viewers remember her on-screen pairing with the popular Odia actor Uttam Mohanty. Their films together became an important part of Odia cinema during their successful years.
Aparajita later entered politics and became involved in public life. Her journey reflects a long association with Odisha’s culture, cinema and public activities.
Early Life and Family Background
Aparajita Mohanty was born in Odisha and spent her growing-up years in Sambalpur. Her parents were Abdul Aziz Khan and Harapriya Ray.
Her father worked as a district magistrate, while her mother was associated with education and taught Zoology at Gangadhar Meher College. Aparajita grew up in an educated family environment where learning and cultural interests were valued.
Her family background was also connected with Odisha’s history and literature. Her paternal grandfather, Maulvi Abdus Sobhan Khan, served as a Law Minister in the Orissa Province during the early 1940s. Her uncle Rajkishore Ray was known as a literary personality in Odisha.
Aparajita also grew up with her sisters. Her cousin Mahasweta Ray later became an actress too. Both cousins were associated with Odia cinema during the 1980s and 1990s.
From childhood, Aparajita showed an interest in music, dance and drama. Her interest in performing arts gradually developed into a serious ambition to work in films.
Education
Aparajita Mohanty completed her education in Sambalpur. Published profiles state that she studied at Gangadhar Meher College and earned a bachelor’s degree.
Her academic background gave her a foundation before she entered the entertainment industry. Although acting became her main professional path, her early education remained an important part of her life.
She entered films at a young age and gradually built her career through regular performances and experience.
Beginning of Her Acting Career
Aparajita Mohanty started her film career in 1980 with the Odia movie Sita Labakusha, also written as Seeta Labakush. She appeared alongside Uttam Mohanty, who later became her husband.
Her debut introduced her to Odia movie audiences and opened the door to more acting opportunities. At that time, Odia cinema was developing a strong identity through family dramas, romantic stories and films based on social themes.
Aparajita quickly attracted attention because of her screen presence and ability to perform emotional scenes naturally.
She continued appearing in films throughout the 1980s, gradually becoming one of the leading actresses of the industry.
Rise to Fame in Ollywood
The 1980s and 1990s were important decades in Aparajita Mohanty’s career. She appeared in several popular films and worked with many well-known actors and directors.
Some of her notable films from this period include Abhilasha, Jaga Hatare Pagha, Phula Chandan, Tunda Baida, Sastee, Asha, Chakadola Karuchi Leela and Dadagiri.
Her performances helped her become a familiar face among Odia families. She was appreciated for her ability to portray different emotions, including love, sadness, family affection and determination.
Her on-screen pairing with Uttam Mohanty was especially popular. The two appeared together in numerous films and became one of the memorable actor pairs in Ollywood.
During this period, Aparajita earned a reputation as one of the prominent female stars of Odia cinema.
Popular Movies of Aparajita Mohanty
Aparajita has worked in a large number of films during her career. The following are some notable titles associated with her filmography.
1. Sita Labakusha (1980)
This was Aparajita’s film debut. The project introduced her to the Odia film industry and marked the beginning of her long acting journey.
2. Abhilasha (1983)
Abhilasha is one of the recognised films from her early career. It helped strengthen her position as a popular actress.
3. Jaga Hatare Pagha (1985)
This film is another important title in her filmography. Her work during this period helped her build a strong audience following.
4. Phula Chandan
Her performance in Phula Chandan received state-level recognition. The film remains associated with one of the important achievements of her acting career.
5. Tunda Baida
Aparajita’s work in Tunda Baida also received recognition through the Odisha State Film Awards.
6. Sastee
Her performance in Sastee earned her another Best Actress honour at the Odisha State Film Awards, according to published award listings.
7. Chakadola Karuchi Leela (1990)
This film is among the recognised titles from her successful period in Odia cinema.
8. Dadagiri (1993)
Aparajita appeared in this film during the 1990s, when she was already an established actress.
9. Vasudha (1996)
Vasudha is another film associated with her long film career.
10. Sangram (2005)
She continued working in Odia cinema in the 2000s, including films such as Sangram.
11. Loafer (2011)
Aparajita remained active in films as her career moved into a new phase. Loafer is among her later film appearances.
12. Sister Sridevi (2017)
She continued to appear in contemporary Odia films, including this 2017 release.
13. Shakti (2018)
Aparajita appeared in this Odia drama alongside members of the Mohanty acting family.
14. Bou Buttu Bhuta (2025)
She appeared in this Odia horror-comedy film, which also featured her son Babushaan Mohanty. The film introduced her to another generation of moviegoers.
This is a selection of notable films, not a complete list of her work.
Television Career
Aparajita Mohanty has also appeared in Odia television programmes and serials. Television gave her an opportunity to connect with viewers outside the cinema hall.
Some published profiles mention her association with serials such as Panat Kani and Bada Ghara Bada Gumara Katha.
Her television work helped her remain connected with audiences as the entertainment industry changed and television became an important part of everyday life in Odisha.
Aparajita Mohanty as a Film Producer
Aparajita has also explored the production side of cinema. She became a producer through her home production venture, Sai Ma.
One of the projects associated with this venture was Love Master. Moving into production allowed her to take an interest in filmmaking beyond acting.
Her experience as an established actress gave her an understanding of film sets, performances and the creative process. This experience was useful as she explored a different professional role.
Marriage and Family Life
Aparajita Mohanty married the popular Odia actor Uttam Mohanty on 17 May 1987. Their relationship was widely followed by Odia cinema audiences because both were well-known personalities in the industry.
The couple appeared together in many films and became one of the memorable on-screen pairs of Ollywood. Their professional partnership and family life made them familiar names in Odisha.
They had a son, Babushaan Mohanty, who later became an actor and playback singer in the Odia film industry. Babushaan has established his own identity through films and music.
Aparajita’s family has therefore remained closely connected with Odia entertainment across generations.
Uttam Mohanty passed away on 27 February 2025. His death was a great loss to Odia cinema. He is remembered for his contribution to the industry and his memorable performances. Aparajita and her family continue to be associated with his legacy.
Political Career
Apart from acting, Aparajita Mohanty has also been involved in politics.
She joined the Indian National Congress in February 2014. Her entry into politics attracted attention because she was already a familiar public figure in Odisha.
In 2014, she contested the Cuttack Lok Sabha constituency. Later, in February 2018, she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
She contested the 2019 Odisha Assembly election from the Bhubaneswar North constituency. She did not win the election, but her participation showed her interest in public life beyond cinema.
Her political journey represents another chapter in her career as she explored responsibilities outside the entertainment industry.
Awards and Achievements
Aparajita Mohanty has received recognition for her performances in Odia films. Her awards reflect her contribution to the industry over several decades.
Some of her notable honours include:
- Odisha State Film Award – Best Actress: Recognition for her performances in films including Phula Chandan.
- Best Actress for Tunda Baida: Listed among her state-level acting honours.
- Best Actress for Sastee: Another recognised performance in the Odisha State Film Awards.
- Best Actress for Asha: Her work in this film also received state-level recognition.
- ETV Priya Odia Award: She received this honour for her contribution to Odia entertainment.
These awards helped establish her reputation as one of the respected actresses of Ollywood.
Interesting Facts About Aparajita Mohanty
- Aparajita Mohanty began her film career in 1980.
- Her debut film was Sita Labakusha.
- She became one of the leading actresses of Odia cinema during the 1980s and 1990s.
- She appeared in many films alongside Uttam Mohanty.
- Her cousin Mahasweta Ray is also an actress.
- She has worked as an actress and film producer.
- Her son Babushaan Mohanty is an actor and singer.
- She entered politics in 2014.
- She later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2018.
- She continued appearing in Odia films, including Bou Buttu Bhuta in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Aparajita Mohanty?
Aparajita Mohanty is a veteran Indian actress, film producer and politician who is mainly associated with the Odia film industry.
2. What is Aparajita Mohanty’s date of birth?
Her personal biography website lists her date of birth as 15 May 1965. Some other online sources report a different date, so readers should be aware of this difference.
3. Which was Aparajita Mohanty’s first movie?
Her first film was Sita Labakusha, released in 1980.
4. Who was Aparajita Mohanty’s husband?
She was married to the late Odia actor Uttam Mohanty, who passed away in February 2025.
5. Who is Aparajita Mohanty’s son?
Her son is Babushaan Mohanty, a popular Odia actor and singer.
6. Is Aparajita Mohanty a film producer?
Yes. She has also worked as a producer through her home production venture, Sai Ma.
7. Did Aparajita Mohanty join politics?
Yes. She joined the Indian National Congress in 2014 and later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2018.
8. Which are some of Aparajita Mohanty’s popular films?
Some notable films include Sita Labakusha, Abhilasha, Jaga Hatare Pagha, Phula Chandan, Sastee, Chakadola Karuchi Leela, Loafer and Sister Sridevi.
Conclusion
Aparajita Mohanty has enjoyed a long and memorable journey in Odia cinema. From her debut in Sita Labakusha in 1980 to her performances in films across several decades, she has remained an important part of Ollywood.
Her screen partnership with Uttam Mohanty, her work as a producer and her later entry into politics have added different dimensions to her public life. She has also seen the next generation of her family, through her son Babushaan Mohanty, become part of the Odia entertainment industry.
Her career is a reminder of the important role artists play in preserving and developing regional cinema. With decades of work behind her, Aparajita Mohanty remains a familiar and respected name among Odia movie lovers.
