Bhubaneswar: Mahasweta Ray, who was named the best supporting actress in the 28th State Film Awards that were announced on Monday for her performance in Dele Dhara Katha Sare, said she had been expecting the award for Chini.

"It is very rare where we get an opportunity to portray such a powerful character with so much depth. A lot of people have told me that my role in Chini was the role of a lifetime," she said and demanded an answer from the jury why they did not give her the award for her performance in Chini.

Ray has worked in nearly 100 Odia films and several Bengali firms.

"I have never questioned the decision of the jury in the past 40 years. But this time, I want them to watch both the films again and then review their decision," she said.

Reacting to this, chairman of the jury committee and former DGP Bipin Bihari Mishra said: "The decision was unanimous. We were neither under any pressure nor did we make biased choices."

Jayadev Samman, the lifetime achievement award for contribution to Odia cinema, will be given to veteran singer Pranab Patnaik.

Pradip Bhol-directed Chini starring Amlan and Bengali actress Patrali won the best film award.

Patnaik who began his musical career in 1958 has sung over 5,000 songs.

He has received the state film award for best singer six times.

"I did not see this coming. I am honoured as getting recognised by your state has its own charm," he said.

Ajay Rath will get the best director award for the movie Namard. Samaresh Routray has won the best actor award for Namard while Sangita Mohapatra, popularly known as Lipi, has bagged the best actress award for Mimansa.

Actress Bidita Bag will receive the special jury award for her role in Namard. Goodly Rath is best music director for Tu Kahibu Na Mu.

In the 5th State Tele Awards that were also announced on Monday, Sindurabindu has bagged the best tele-serial award.

While Swetlana will get best actress award for ACP Nikita, Choudhry Satyabrat Das is best actor for Sindurabindu.