Singer, composer and actor Swarup Naik dies at 76

BHUBANESWAR: Noted music composer, lyricist, singer and actor Swarup Naik died of cancer at a private hospital in Cuttack on Friday. He was 76. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other dignitaries condoled his death.

Swarup, a native of Cuttack, was the brother of Parbati Ghose, the first woman film director and producer from Odisha. His brother Sarada Naik was a film lyricist, while his father Basudev Naik was the manager of ManMohan Press.

Swarup had started working in films since childhood. In 1962, when he was in Class IX, Swarup had acted as a child beggar in 'Laxmi'. Later, he acted in 'Kaa' (1965) and 'Stree' (1968).

He took a break and worked as a contractor for a while. But his passion for film, music and writing compelled him to return to screen. He started his second innings with 'Suna Sansar' in 1977 and never looked back. His last outing as an actor was 'Kalinga Putra' in 2008.

He started scoring music in 1984 with the film 'Hira Nila'. His last film as music director was 'Swayamsiddha' in 2010. He has also composed songs for 41 films and written songs for 26.

CM Naveen Patnaik has issued directions to the home department to perform Swarup's last rites with full state honours.


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