Ollywood veteran Bijay Mohanty (centre) receives Jaydev Samman from tourism and culture minister Ashok Panda (extreme left) and industry, school and mass education minister Debi Prasad Mishra at the 26th State Film Awards in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

The lifetime achievement award was conferred on the actor for his contribution to Odia cinema.

Director Sabyasachi Mohapatra's film Aadim Vichar also bagged a number of awards at the event.

Mohapatra was adjudged best director, while the protagonist of the film, 85-year-old Atal Bihari Panda, was named best actor. The film also received the Special Jury Award for the year.

In 2013, Mohapatra's film Sala Budha had received awards in seven categories, including those of best film and best director. The best film's award went to Krantidhara this year. Directed by veteran director Himanshu Khatua, the film brought to fore a woman's struggle.

The government received nominations for 21 films this year and awards were given away in 24 categories. Gargi Mohanty, who has played the lead role in Krantidhara, has been adjudged the best actress.

Badhu won the best tele-serial award, while Santosh Kumar Biswal was declared the best tele-director.

However, no entries were made in sections such as children's film, tribal language film and documentary.

"A number of good films were made this year. The quality is improving. Films such as Bhaunri, Suka Asuchi and Krantidhara bear testimony to how the scene is changing," said jury committee chairman Sanjib Hota.

On the occasion, the film fraternity called for a government policy for the benefit of the industry.