Bhubaneswar, July 1: Every time Minaketan Das delivered dialogues with that his typical smirk, the audience clapped. The ace villain, who made his presence felt in all forms of entertainment, including Odia cinema, TV and jatra, passed away last night at his residence in the city following prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 56.

Minaketan and his family members had to struggle a lot to collect money for his treatment.

With dwindling patronage from the state government, his hopes were pinned on the film fraternity.

Artistes' federations had collected more than Rs 10 lakh for the purpose. After a spell of treatment at the Asian Institute of Cancer, Mumbai, he returned to the state. He was being treated at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar for a while before being sent back home.

As the news of his death spread, tributes and condolence messages poured in from all quarters. Eminent musician Laxmikant Palit said: "The entire film fraternity will miss him. He was a wonderful human being and an inspiration for young actors."

A student of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Minaketan, has acted in nearly two dozen films, including Balunga Toka, Super Micchhua, Lover Masters and Gote Shua, Gote Shari. He has rendered many powerful roles in Odia jatras as well.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik also expressed his condolences. He wrote on his social networking site: "Saddened to learn of the demise of actor Minaketan Das. It is a great loss for Odia film industry, my thoughts and prayers with his family."

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan also wrote: "Heartfelt condolences to friends and family of Ollywood 'bad man' Minaketan Das an actor who won many hearts but lost his fight against cancer."

Veteran actor and producer Peadyumna Lenka said: "We were great friends and had spent a lot of time together. He had a very friendly attitude." Comedian and actor Harihar Mohapatra, who began his journey in the film industry with Minaketan, said: "Once he had given me a pat after watching my performance, and that was a great feeling. We learnt so much from him."

Several eminent cultural personalities also posted messages on social networking sites condoling his demise. Actor-turned-politician Akash Dasnayak wrote: "It is a great loss for the Odia film industry."