Puri – Ollywood actor Babushaan Mohanty performed the long-pending tonsure ceremony and other rituals for his late father, legendary Odia actor Uttam Mohanty, in Puri on Sunday. The ceremonies, delayed due to Babushaan’s busy shooting schedule, were completed with traditional solemnity at the Puri sea beach, attended by close family members, friends, and his wife. 
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A Delayed but Heartfelt Tribute  

Uttam Mohanty, a towering figure in Odia cinema, passed away on February 27, 2024. While the last rites were performed soon after, Babushaan had postponed the customary post-death rituals, including the tonsure ceremony (Mundan) and Asthi Visarjan (immersion of ashes), due to his professional commitments. The actor was occupied with the shooting of his upcoming film, Bou Buttu Bhuta, which he prioritized to honor his father’s belief that "work is God."  
After wrapping up the shoot, Babushaan traveled to Puri to fulfill the remaining rites. 
“I couldn’t perform these rituals earlier because of my shooting schedule. Now that the film is complete, I have come to Puri to seek my father’s blessings and find peace,” he told reporters.  

Rituals Conducted with Devotion  

The ceremonies began with the tonsure ritual, where Babushaan shaved his head as a mark of respect and mourning. Following this, he immersed his father’s ashes in the holy waters of the Puri sea, a significant Hindu ritual believed to help the departed soul attain peace.  
Puri, being a sacred city for Odias, holds deep spiritual significance, especially for devotees of Lord Jagannath. Babushaan shared that he traditionally visits the Jagannath Temple after completing a film to seek blessings. However, due to the one-year mourning period following his father’s demise, he is refraining from entering the temple. Instead, he requested his uncle to offer a bana (flag) at the temple for the success of his upcoming projects.  

Balancing Duty and Tradition  

Babushaan emphasized that while family rituals are essential, professional responsibilities also carry weight. 
“A film project involves the hard work of many artists and technicians. My father always taught me to respect my commitments. Hence, I chose to complete the shoot first before performing these rites,” he explained.  
His decision reflects a modern approach to balancing personal grief with professional duties, a sentiment that resonates with many in today’s fast-paced world. Fans and well-wishers have appreciated his dedication to both his craft and his father’s legacy.  

A Legacy of Love and Lessons  

Uttam Mohanty was not just a celebrated actor but also a guiding force in Babushaan’s life. The younger Mohanty has often spoken about his father’s influence on his career and personal values. By completing the rituals with sincerity, Babushaan has honored his father’s memory in a manner that aligns with both tradition and practicality.  

Public and Fan Reactions  

The Odia film industry and fans have expressed their support for Babushaan during this emotional phase. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages praising his commitment to his work and his respectful tribute to his late father. Many have also lauded his decision to follow tradition while responsibly managing his professional obligations.  

With the rituals now completed, Babushaan is expected to resume his work in the entertainment industry with renewed focus. His upcoming film, Bou Buttu Bhuta, is eagerly awaited by fans, and the actor hopes it will make his father proud.  
In conclusion, Babushaan Mohanty’s journey through grief, duty, and devotion serves as a touching reminder of the delicate balance between personal loss and professional life. His actions reflect not just filial love but also a deep respect for the values instilled in him by his late father.