Nitai Palit (b. 1923)

Best-known Oriya director, born in Cuttack. Playwright and theatrical producer; vicepresident of the IPTA’s Utkal branch. Started in film as actor (Vinay Bannerjee’s Amari Gaan Jhua, 1953), then directed Kedar Gouri, a tragic love story. Broke through with Malajanha, based on Upendra Das’s novel, featuring the Oriya star Jharana Das. Admires the Bengali masters Ray, Ghatak and Sen.

FILMOGRAPHY: 1954: Kedar Gouri (also act); 1956: Bhai Bhai; 1959: Maa; 1965: Malajanha; 1968: Kie Kahara; 1969: Bandhan (O); 1972: Dharitri; 1974: Mana Akasha; 1976: Krishna Sudama; 1977: Bandhu Mohanty; 1980: Anuraag; 1981: Kiye Jite Kiye Hare.

Director