Desk: Hara Rath, one of
the familiar faces of Odia entertainment, has built a diverse career spanning
theatre, television, music videos and films. Known for portraying both negative
and character roles, Rath has gradually established himself as a versatile performer
in the Odia film industry.
Rath developed an interest in
acting from an early age. While studying at S.R. High School in Dharakote,
Ganjam, he performed in the play Mahadani Karna, playing the character
of Bishikeshan. His interest in theatre continued during his college years,
where he received recognition for his performances. He also participated in an
inter-college theatre competition organised by Utkal University in 1997 and was
awarded Best Actor.
He later attended a workshop
associated with the National School of Drama (NSD). Before establishing
himself as an actor, Rath worked behind the camera, including as an assistant
to filmmaker Raju Mishra. He was also involved in camera and editing-related
work, gaining experience in different aspects of filmmaking.
Television gave him wider
recognition
Rath's television journey began
with the serial Lal Mahal, followed by an appearance in Duhita.
His role as Haria in Duhita became one of his early recognisable
performances. He subsequently appeared in several Odia television productions,
including Kula Kutumbaku Laja, Sakalar Surjya, E Galpa
Mallahara, Tasara Ghara, Damini, Basundhara, Sindura
and Apa.
His portrayal of Dibakar
in Tulasi brought him considerable recognition among television
viewers. He also appeared in productions such as Mati Baikuntha, Kichhi
Luha Pi Jaye Otha, Kemiti Kahibi Kah and Anu. His work in the
ETV Odia serial Apa further strengthened his image as an actor capable
of handling negative characters.
More recently, Rath has also
appeared in digital productions. His credits include the web series Gangs of
Puri and Raktatirtha. Raktatirtha, a series inspired by
India's freedom struggle, featured Rath alongside Abhishek Giri, Prasanjeet
Mohapatra and others.
From music videos to the big
screen
Rath has also been associated
with Odisha's album industry. In an interview, he recalled that his first album
was Kete Dina Haba Dekha Nai, featuring actress Naina Das. He
subsequently worked on five albums under Sarthak Production, which, according
to Rath, were conceived not merely as music videos but as stories with acting
and narrative elements. He later appeared in the music video Na Jani Mu for
the OdiaOne YouTube channel.
His film career began with a
small role in Priya Mo Priya. He subsequently appeared in Bande
Utkala Janani, Satya Meba Jayate, Most Wanted, Matira
Bandhan, ACP Ranveer, Akhire Akhire, Mu Tara Kie, One
Way Traffic, Kehi Nuhe Kahara, Hello – In Love and Meemansa,
among others. His filmography also includes Yogi, in which he played the
title role after undergoing a major physical transformation for the character.
Other later credits include T
(2023), a biographical Odia film based on the life of transgender taxi driver
Meghna Sahoo, as well as Malyagiri, Zwigato, Villain – Life of
a Gangster and Pade Akasha.
A busy 2026
Rath has continued to remain
active on the big screen in 2026. He appears in Rakta Golapa, a suspense
thriller directed by Sisir Kumar Sahu and Peenakee Singh and released on
February 13. Rath is part of the cast alongside Elina Samantray, Choudhury
Jayaprakash Das, Abhishek Giri and Samaresh Routray.
He also featured in Bara Badhu,
the Odia drama directed by Biswaranjan Pradhan, which was released theatrically
on February 13, 2026. Rath plays Bipina in the film.
Another 2026 release in his
filmography is Aafaa – Life After Life. Directed by Pritiraj Satapathy,
the family drama was released on April 3 and features Rath along with Naina
Das, Kuna Tripathy, Pritiraj Satapathy and others.
Rath is also part of the cast of Mantra
Muugdha, directed by Anupam Patnaik. The adventure-fantasy musical thriller
was released on May 1, 2026, with Rath appearing alongside Sarthak Bharadwaj,
Bhoomika Dash, Dipanwit Dashmohapatra, Manmay Dey and others. The Central Board
of Film Certification's records also list Hara Rath among the film's main
actors.
From theatre performances in his
student days to television serials, album stories, feature films and web
series, Hara Rath's career reflects a sustained association with different
facets of Odisha's entertainment industry. His journey has included work
both in front of and behind the camera, while his filmography continues to
expand with new projects.
Notable works: Priya Mo Priya, Bande Utkala Janani, Satya Meba Jayate, Most Wanted, Matira Bandhan, ACP Ranveer, Akhire Akhire, Mu Tara Kie, One Way Traffic, Kehi Nuhe Kahara, Hello – In Love, Meemansa, Yogi, T, Zwigato, Malyagiri, Gangs of Puri, Raktatirtha, Villain – Life of a Gangster, Pade Akasha, Rakta Golapa, Bara Badhu, Aafaa and Mantra Muugdha.
