✒️Madhusudan Mishra
Sadhu Meher, a worthy son of the soil of Boudh District, a legendary figure of Indian cinema, was conferred the prestigious Padma Shree Award in 2017. After receiving this award, he said, “I dedicate it to the actors and artists of Odisha.”
He was an award-winning Bollywood cinema actor, director, and producer, born on January 1, 1940, in the village Gudvellipadar near Manamunda of Kantamal Block in the District of Boudh. He completed his primary education in Jogipadar Primary School, M.E. from Tarav School, Matriculation from Prithviraj High School, Bolangir, and B.Sc, Hons. from GM College Sambalpur.
Sadhu Meher displayed a keen interest in cinema and joined the Film Institute of Pune. After that, he began his career in the Hindi film Bhuvan Shome, which initiated the new Indian cinema wave. He won the Best Actor award in 1974 for the movie Ankur, where he played the role of a deaf-mute Dalit alcoholic potter who communicates using gestures.
He was also a popular actor in Odia movies, winning a special Best Actor Award for the film Bhukha in 1990, where he portrayed a Dalit Mahuri player. He appeared in a few Bengali movies, particularly with Shyam Benegal, the legendary Bollywood Director. He was one of the founders of parallel cinema in the mid-1980s.
Sadhu Meher acted in 27 Hindi and Odia films from 1969 to 2014, including Bhuvan Shome, Ichhapurana, 27-Down, Ankur, Nishaant, Manthan, Bali Ghara, Inkar, Gharonda, Safed Hathi, Abhiman, Mrigaya, Aparichit, Kasturi, Seeta Raati, Desire, Deb Shisu, Bhakua, Pratimurti, Uttoran, Charachar, Shesha Drusti, Hum Apke Dil Mein Rehte Hain, Patth, 30 days, Jay Jagannath, and Good Bye Dear.
As a Director, Sadhu Meher directed four films: Abhiman, Aparichit, Desire, and Babula. He also produced documentary films, telefilms, and films for children. He received an honorary Doctorate degree from Sambalpur University in 2012 for his contribution to the film industry.
It’s a great surprise that a small man from a remote village of Boudh District was able to establish himself in the prestigious Bollywood film industry due to his hard work and dedication. He was recognized globally for his obvious artistic brilliance in the film industry. It’s a great honor and prestige for Boudh District, celebrating the remarkable achievements and recognition of Sadhu Meher, who will continue as a pillar of inspiration to our young generation pursuing challenging careers in the film industry.
