Sambalpur, Aug 20: Renowned Sambalpuri playwright, poet, and lyricist Padma Shri Binod Kumar Pasayat passed away on Wednesday at the age of 91. He breathed his last at Sambalpur Sadar Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer and age-related ailments.

Born on December 3, 1935, in Kusmel village, Balangir district, Pasayat was a towering figure in Sambalpuri (Koshali) literature and folk culture. Despite being a barber by profession, he carved out a remarkable literary career, penning iconic plays like Mui Nai Mare (“I Will Never Die”) and composing numerous folk songs that resonated deeply across western Odisha.

His creative journey began as a child artist with the Ramji Drama Party in Balangir. After moving to Sambalpur in 1953, he ran a barber shop that doubled as his writing studio. His works were celebrated for their simplicity, cultural authenticity, and emotional depth.

After settling in Sambalpur in 1953, Pasayat quickly emerged as a prominent voice on All India Radio and Doordarshan, earning widespread recognition with his devotional bhajan “Hai Krishna Hai Krishna Boli.”

Pasayat’s impact on Sambalpuri folk music is truly unmatched. His lyrical gems like “E Nani Sulochana,” “Rathar Chaka Chale Ghidighidi,” and “Bajuche Madala Ae Baula Kurei Phula” continue to resonate across generations.

He also contributed to Odia cinema, writing songs for films such as Samarpan, Para Stri, Adibasi, and Chini, skillfully weaving folk melodies into cinematic narratives.

In the realm of theatre, Pasayat’s plays — including Mui Nai Mare, Ukhi, Lita, Chinha, and Bharna — brought Sambalpuri stories to centre stage. His satirical drama ‘Chutkuchuta’ and the emotionally stirring ‘Tahar Ba’ remain celebrated for their cultural richness and incisive social critique.

In January 2023, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri for his contributions to performing arts, particularly Sambalpuri gitinaṭya (musical drama).

Pasayat is the recipient of many numerous awards and honours. He is honoured with three most popular state level honours like Sarala Puraskar in 2008, Odisha Sahitya Academy Puraskar in 2010 and Sarada Prasanna Samman by Odisha Sangit Natak Academy in 2019.

He has received many district and local level honours also. Despite having earned such high fame and recognition, he has never left working as a barber which is the customary trade of his forefathers.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed deep sorrow, calling Pasayat “a distinguished playwright and poet whose contributions will remain forever memorable.”

“I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear of the passing of Padma Shri Binod Pasayat, the distinguished playwright, poet, and writer from Sambalpur. For decades, he made invaluable contributions to Sambalpuri literature and music, bringing immense pride to our state. He was a silent devotee of his art — humble yet profound. His legacy in Sambalpuri literary circles will remain eternally cherished. I pray for the eternal peace of his noble soul and extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Om Shanti,” wrote Union Minister Pradhan on his ‘X’ account.

Despite his fame, Pasayat remained humble, continuing his ancestral trade until declining health forced him to close his shop two years ago. His passing marks the end of an era in Odisha’s cultural landscape, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and writers.