Bhubaneswar, April 12: Acclaimed filmmaker Shantanu Mishra died at the Capital Hospital last night following a heart attack. He was working on Sesa Chithi, a film on slum life, which remained incomplete.

Mishra was a postgraduate in Mathematics from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack. His films such as Mukti Mashal, Doora Diganta, Muramurchhana and Asha were reflections on human nature and philosophy. Mukti Masal (1990) had won five state awards. He was working on the new project after a hiatus of over 10 years.

He had once said that lived in a slum to understand the various aspects and issues of slum dwellers.

“Slums actually illustrate unity in diversity, but it is sad that there is no literature on the slum life of Odisha,” he had said.

“Tribals from interior pockets of the state and people from different rural and agrarian backgrounds come to urban areas in search of a living. However, they fall into a trap that forces them to stay there. Nevertheless, they live a very carefree life full of adventures. Violence is a way of life for the youth here. They are always ready to kill and get killed. But the same youngsters play football regularly, enjoy rice beer and have fun in their own way,” Mishra had said. Three months ago he underwent angioplasty. As a result of consistent cardiac problems, he was admitted to the Capital Hospital a few days ago. “His untimely demise has left a big vacuum in the Odia film industry,” said film critic Ashok Palit.

The 59-year old director is survived by his wife and two children. His body was carried to the Old Bus Stand where he used to spend a lot of time and had earned many friends and well-wishers. Later, the last rites were conducted at Swarg Dwar, Puri by his son and daughter.