Prashanta Nanda (b. 1947)
Major Oriya actor, director and producer. Acting début in Prabhat Mukherjee’s Oriya films (Dasyu Ratnakara). Became a star with Mrinal Sen’s Matir Manisha. Studied arts and law while pursuing acting career in Orissa. Made some major films with Nitai Palit (Bandhan, Dharitri, Mana Akasha) before turning producer with Byomkesh Tripathi’s seminal hit Mamata (also contributing the story). Turned director the following year with the tragic melodrama Shesha Shrabana; since then acted only in his own films. Made three films in Hindi and the Oriya-Bengali bilingual, Jaa Devi Sarva Bhuteshu/Nyaya? Chakra.
FILMOGRAPHY (* also d): 1962: Dasyu Ratnakara; Nua Bou; 1964: Jeevana Sathi; Nabajanma; 1966: Matir Manisha; 1969: Bandhan; 1970: Adina Megha; 1972: Dharitri; 1973: Ghara Sansara; 1974: Mana Akasha; 1975: Samaya; Mamata; 1976: Krishna Sudama; Sindura Bindu; Shesha Shrabana*; 1977: Naga Phasha; Paheli*; 1978: Taapoi; Balidan*; 1979: Gauri; Naiya*; 1980: Maa-o-Mamata*; 1981: Pooja*; 1982: Hisab Nikas*; 1983: Swapna Sagara*; 1984: Dora*; Jaga Balia*; Grihasthi*; 1985: Heera Lila; 1986: Bagula Baguli*; Paka Kambala Poota Chhata*; 1987: Golamgiri*; 1988: Lal Pan Bibi*; 1989: Jaa Devi Sarva Bhuteshu/ Nyaya Chakra*; 1990: Kandhei; Je Devi Sarba Bhutesu; 1991: Loot Taraj; 1992: Maa*; 1993: Ghar Sansar*; 1994: Lal Pan Bibi*; Emiti Bhai Jagate Nahin.