Uttam Mohanty, Veteran Odia Actor in the Odia film industry, died on Thursday night at the age of 66 while being treated at a private hospital in Delhi. Mohanty, known for his unparalleled contributions to Odia film, died, leaving a loss in the hearts of admirers and the Odisha art community.

The actor, who had been suffering from significant liver problems, was evacuated to Delhi from Bhubaneswar on February 8 when his health worsened. Despite intense medical care, he succumbed to his health concerns, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. According to his medical staff, he was admitted to the hospital in critical condition four days ago and was on ventilator support.

He married Aparajita Mohanty, another well-known name in Odia cinema, and their son, Babushaan, has carried on the family history as a significant figure in the business.

Mohanty’s career spanned four decades, beginning in 1977 with the film Abhimaan. He went on to appear in more than 135 films, including classics like Nijhum Ratira Sathi (1979), Phula Chandana (1982), Jhiati Sita Pari (1983), and Danda Balunga (1984). His diverse performance earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Jayadeb Puraskar in 1999 and the Odisha Living Legend Award in 2012. He also dabbled in Bengali cinema and TV serials, leaving a lasting impression on regional entertainment.

The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, expressed his deep sadness following Mohanty’s death, stating on Twitter: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Odisha’s famous and popular actor, Sikkli Mohanty.” His departure has left an enormous vacuum in the Odia art scene. His legacy in the Odia art field will live on in the audience’s hearts. I pray for eternal peace for his soul and extend my heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.”

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also expressed his sympathies in a tweet, writing, “I am saddened and shocked to hear the news of the demise of Odisha’s prominent actor and the evergreen hero of the Odia film world, Bikli Mohanty.” He was more than just an artist; he felt like a member of my family. His long-term contribution to the Odia film industry was unrivaled. His most notable accomplishments were the movie Ramayana, Phulachandan, Sita Pari Nanditi, and others. His immaculate and vibrant performance made him renowned with the Odia audience. His death has left a vacuum in Odisha’s artistic community. Odisha lost a yoga janma. He will rule over the hearts of the Odia people for a long time. Wishing the eternal soul peace and expressing condolences to the bereaved family.”

Uttam Mohanty’s death signals the end of an era in Odia cinema, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his followers and in the film business. With his demise, the Ollywood Industry has lost one of its most revered icons, and the people of Odisha will always remember his achievements.

Technical talents, such as software development and artificial intelligence knowledge, are in high demand, as are soft skills like communication and problem-solving. According to a LinkedIn research, more than 60% of HR professionals in the country believe AI-powered technologies may help streamline and accelerate the hiring process.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has progressed from a buzzword to a critical business strategy, with 98% of Indian company leaders emphasizing AI implementation for 2025, according to a new survey issued on Thursday.

The demand for technical skills such as software development and AI knowledge is increasing, as are vital soft skills like as communication and problem-solving. According to a LinkedIn research, more than 60% of HR professionals in the country feel AI-powered technologies may help streamline and expedite the hiring process.

“AI is reshaping how we hire and develop talent, but the real unlock isn’t just adopting AI—it’s making it work for the business,” said Ruchee Anand, LinkedIn’s India Country Head for Talent and Learning Solutions.

She stated that firms invest in AI tools without the necessary talent to fully realize their promise, resulting in a squandered opportunity. Around 84% see skill development as a major concern for 2025.

As AI becomes more integrated into the workplace, businesses prioritise staff training. They are particularly interested in AI training and crucial soft skills like as collaboration and communication.

Furthermore, all polled learning and development (L&D) experts in India feel that soft skills are becoming equally important as technical expertise. Despite the fast adoption of AI, obtaining trained talent remains a big barrier, according to the research.

According to the report, recruiters in India are having difficulty finding individuals with the perfect combination of AI and human abilities. Approximately 54% of HR experts believe that just half or fewer of job applicants meet the essential qualifications.

Many recruiters claim they receive an overwhelming number of applications from people that are unsuitable for the positions.

“To break this cycle, businesses need to approach hiring with a skills-first mindset — because while AI will be the tool that unlocks innovation, it’s human skills like creativity, communication, and collaboration that will help companies truly stay ahead of change,” Anand told me.

More than half of HR professionals in India now prefer to hire individuals who meet at least 80% of the job requirements. According to the research, this shift implies a hiring strategy that prioritizes quality above quantity.