Devdas Chhotray

Devdas Chhotray (born 1946) is a renowned Odia author, lyricist, screenwriter, and academician. He has made significant contributions to Odia literature, cinema, and music through his versatile works spanning poetry, short stories, screenplays, and lyrics.

He was the first Vice-Chancellor of Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, and also served in various administrative and academic positions, leaving a lasting impact on Odisha’s educational and cultural landscape.

As a lyricist, Chhotray penned songs for more than 75 Odia films and numerous television musicals, many of which remain popular for their lyrical beauty and emotional depth. His long-standing collaboration with legendary Odia musician Akshaya Mohanty enriched modern Odia music for several decades.

In literature, his works include the short story collection Lal Machha, poetry anthologies such as Nila Saraswati and Hati Saja Kara, and translations like Longing (in English) and Ret Ki Sidhi (in Hindi). His screenplay Indradhanura Chhai (Shadows of the Rainbow) was internationally acclaimed and was featured at the Cannes Film Festival in 1995.

Chhotray has also authored celebrated books like Cinema Geeta, Dirghaswasa, Mallika, Chumban, Bijubabu, Manakharapara Phula, Itara Kahani, Ramaaku Maribara Panchati Upaya, Siddha Chahanira Katakhya and Aama Samayara Manisha. His writings reflect a unique blend of modern sensibility and cultural rootedness, making him one of the most influential figures in contemporary Odia literature and arts.