Bhubaneswar, Jan.13: People from all walks of life paid tributes to veteran Odia film personality Hara Patnaik, who died at a hospital here today.

The 57-year-old actor, who had been battling blood cancer for the past seven years, left behind fans and film fraternity members mourning.

Born in 1958, the Cuttack-based actor, who had studied theatre from Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, was a regular actor in the 80's and a member of the Shatabdira Kalakar troupe.

'His career began with this troupe. He was a passionate actor and director. He will be deeply missed,' said troupe secretary Dhira Mallik.

Patnaik's journey in films started with Sahari Bagha in 1985. With his portrayal of major negative characters, he soon became the ultimate villain of Odia films in the 90's.

A mean son or brother in family dramas, the intimidating villain in action films - Hara Patnaik was extremely popular among viewers as the anti-hero.

He was particularly known for his get-ups and catchphrase dialogues in hits such as Jor Jaar Mulak Taar, Daiba Daudi, Jahaku Rakhiba Ananta and many more. He had acted in about 40 films in a span of three decades.

As a director, too, Patnaik was extremely successful. He was behind the camera for 19 films. Besides, he was known to be an alchemist for debutants, who turned superstars under his direction. Patnaik has to his credit making stars out of debutants such as Anubhav Mohanty, whom he directed in I Love You that turned to be the biggest grosser of Odia industry till recently.

He also introduced Babushan in Romeo: The Lover Boy (2009) and Sabyasachi in Pagal Premi (2007). All the three are popular stars of the Odia film industry.

'He will remain an inspiration for me. There was a lot to learn from him. Even though he was unwell, his passion for films was evident during the shoot of Om Sai Ram two years ago,' said Sabyasachi.

Om Sai Ram in 2012 was Patnaik's last film while he was working on television serials in the previous year.

Patnaik's body was taken to his alma mater - Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya - from the hospital and finally to his home in Cuttack.

There his body will be carried in a procession to Odisha Motion Pictures Technicians and Workers' Association, Annapurna theatre, Kala Vikas Kendra and then to Sati Chaura for cremation and last rites tomorrow after his younger daughter Ananya arrives from Bangalore. His elder daughter Arjya is here.

Governor S.C. Jamir said: 'He left indelible imprints in the hearts of viewers with his powerful acting and direction. He promoted new artistes and worked wholeheartedly for the growth of Odia cinema.'

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik and Union minister of state for petroleum Dharmendra Pradhan, too, condoled his death.

Almost every big and small name from the industry turned up to pay their last respect.

'I had worked with him in many films and knew him closely. The vacuum his death has created will never be filled,' said actor-turned-politician Siddhant Mahapatra.

Veteran director, actor and theatre personality Ajit Dash, who was inconsolable, said: 'I was his teacher at the Mahavidyalaya, and we also acted together in theatre at Kala Vikas Kendra. He was my like my son.'

National award winning director Gadadhar Puty said they had been close friends for over two decades but never worked with each other. 'He had promised to work in my next endeavour,' he said.