Bhubaneswar: The "best mother" of the Odia film industry, Anita Das, passed away following a cardiac arrest at her Shelter Chakh home in Cuttack on Friday.

She was 67. In a career spanning more than four decades, Das had appeared in more than a hundred films. Making her debut with Jajabara (1975), she was known for her supporting roles, mostly in the role of a mother.

The Odia film fraternity expressed shock over her death.

"I still can't believe Anita is no more. She always a smile on her face and was very loving," actor Ajit Das said.

In a message, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said: "She will be remembered for her contribution to Odia films."

She started her film career with Jajabara (1975). Among the Odia films for which she was known for her notable performances include Krishna Sudama (1976), Ramayan (1980), Swapna Sagara (1983), Gadhi Janile Ghara Sundara (1994), Maa-o-Mamata (1980), Pua Moro Kala Thakura (1988), Bahudibe Mo Jaga Balia (2003) and Ki Heba Sua Posile (1991). Her other notable films include Gadhi Janile Ghara Sundara (1994), Bahudibe Mo Jaga Balia (2003), Sathire (2004), Om Shanti Om (2005), Aama Bhitare Kichhi Achhi (2010), Shapath (2012) and Abhay (2017).

Anita was born in Jajpur town in 1954. Her father Banamali Das was a freedom fighter.

She graduated from Vasyanagar College at Jajpur Road. Anita was fifth of eight siblings - six sisters and two brothers.

Several film personalities thronged her residence to pay their last respects to the actor.