Veteran Odia stage artist Asim Basu passed away at the Capital Hospital hereon Wednesday. He was 81.
Basu had been suffering from lungs infection and was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital on Tuesday evening.
Basu, a stage artist and director, a painter and a writer was ailing for last few months and was unable to pay treatment expenses at a private hospital here. After the news were reported in the media, the Culture Department had last week sanctioned an amount of Rs 1 lakh and the Khordha district administration Rs 20,000 for his treatment.
Born at a small village in Baleswar district, Basu left home to learn painting in Kolkata as his family members did not want him to opt for painting as his career. Famous for his graphic stagecraft directions, Basu, was a recipient of the State Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and many other honours.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik mourned the death of Basu, describing him as a versatile genius, who had dedicated his entire life to art and culture.
Notably, Basu was to receive the coveted Buddha Samman at the Dhauli-Kalinga Mahotsav 2017.