Anant Mahapatra, born on June 15, 1936, is a luminary in Indian cinema, television, and theatre. Renowned for directing docu-films and the groundbreaking ‘MAMU’ (1983), he has been active since 1958, contributing to radio and serving on the All India Radio Akashvani Award jury. In theatre, Mahapatra founded the SRUJANI Theatre Group, pivotal in Odisha’s group theatre movement. Recognized globally, he participated in the World Theatre Congress (London, 1971). Awards, including the Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanj ‘Samman’ (2019) and a D.Lit. from Ravenshaw University, celebrate his profound impact. Receiving the AMRIT AWARD SAMMAN further solidifies his lifelong contribution to Odisha’s theatre. Recently, he directed the path-breaking films ‘BHABANTAR,’ and now completed Umakanta Mahapatra’s ‘SMRUTI,’ showcasing his continued influence in the cinematic realm.