Dr. Prashanta Nanda

Dr. Prashanta Nanda is a seasoned Odia actor, filmmaker, writer, and politician from Odisha who is highly regarded for his participation in regional cinema and public life. He was elected several times as a legislator in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and represented Odisha in the Rajya Sabha as a Member of Parliament thereafter.

Having been a minister in the state, he now has the position of a prominent figure in both culture and politics, where the arts have co-existed with governance throughout his long career.

By Rashmi | Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 04:41:51 PM [IST]

Dr. Prashanta Nanda Biography

Dr. Prashanta Nanda is a distinguished figure with a rich and varied background. He is an actor, director and political figure.

He has worked as an actor, director, screenplay writer, lyricist and playback singer in the Odia film industry. Additionally, he has also acted and directed in Hindi and Bengali movies.

He stepped into politics in 2000 and currently, he is a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament from Odisha. He is a staunch supporter of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

In addition to the Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, he is a member of several other committees.

He was born in Cuttack on 2nd May 1947 in a well-educated Odia family to Jagannath Nanda and Kanchan Nanda. He developed an interest in acting by participating in various dramas in school but he was equally as good in studies as in dramas. His favourite film is 'Mother India.'

As an author, he published Anushraba and Palsa, both novels, in Odia. Dibyadutta Prakashanee of Cuttack released Akhaya Abakhaya and Athacha Ame, two short stories. Olat Palat and Benga Kahe Bengali Lo are additional short stories. Cuttack Students Store published Kalinga Gatha, while Jyodha was historical.

His Mythological works include Sakuntala, Mu Sita Kahuchi, and Trikanya. Pakshighar Prakashanee also published The Quest, an English novel. Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow is an English short story, and The Pulsa is an English novel.

His Odia stories, screenplays, and dialogues include Mamata, Sesha Sraban, Balidana, Pooja, and many more. Screenplays and dialogues for Jayee Rajaguru (Odia) and Bagha Jatin (Hindi serial) were penned. Life of Kharavel was scripted in Hindi. Additionally, Paheli, Naya, and Grihasthi were written.

Bengali contributions consist of Naya Chakra, Ghar Sansar, Maa, and others. He regularly contributed columns to Odia dailies like The Samaj, Nitidin, and Prameya. A weekly feature ran in The Samaj for four years.

Not only writing, he also enjoys reading about various lifestyles and books, preferably the best sellers. Apart from the world of books, he finds solace in playing volleyball & basketball and travelling.

Dr. Prashanta Nanda Personal Life

Full Name	Dr. Prashanta Nanda
Date of Birth	02 May 1947 (Age 78)
Place of Birth	Cuttack
Party Name	Biju Janata Dal
Education	Doctorate
Profession	Artist, Writer, Musician, Political and Social Worker, Film Producer and Director
Father's Name	Shri Jagannath Nanda
Mother's Name	Shrimati Kanchan Nanda
Spouse's Name	Shrimati Anupama Nanda
Spouse's Profession	Businesswoman
Children	1 Son(s)

Dr. Prashanta Nanda Net Worth

Net Worth

₹3.66 CRORE

ASSETS

₹3.66 CRORE

Liabilities

N/A

Education Qualification of Dr. Prashanta Nanda

Dr. Prashanta Nanda completed various degrees including a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), a Master of Arts (M.A.), a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.). He pursued his education at Ravenshaw College, M.S. Law College, Utkal University, and MIT University in Pune.

Interesting Facts about Dr. Prashanta Nanda

He was a three-time National Award winner within just eight years.
Over 40 stories, screenplays, and dialogues for various films were authored by him, alongside more than 600 lyrics.

Political Timeline of Dr. Prashanta Nanda

2024: Completed Rajya Sabha term; did not seek re-nomination in 2024 polls.
2023: Member, Joint Committee on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023
2022: Member, Committee on Railways Member, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Coal and Mines
2019: Member, Committee on Provision of Computers to Members of Rajya Sabha (PCMRS) Member, Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel Member, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Finance
2018: Elected to Rajya Sabha Member, Committee on Rural Development
2009: Member, Odisha Legislative Assembly Minister, Higher Education and Rural Development, Government of Odisha
2000: Member, Odisha Legislative Assembly

Dr. Prashanta Nanda Early Life

1962: Debuted as a lead actor in 'Nua Bou.'

Dr. Prashanta Nanda Achievements

1978: Received State award for best acting in Naiya (Hindi) and Gouri (Odia).
1980: Received State award for acting in Balidan and Maa O Mamata.
1981: Received State award for Best Actor and direction for Pooja (Odia film).
1982: Received O.F.J.A. award for best screenplay writer and best director for Hisaaba Nikas (Odia).
1993: Received Uttam Kumar Award for best director in Bengali film, Ghar Sansar.
1998: Received Jayadev Award for best contribution to the Odia film industry.
2003: Received State awards for best film, best director, best story writer, and best editor for Akrosh (Bengali) and Om Shanti (Odia) feature films.
2008: Directed "The Living Ghost (Jianta Bhoota)," which received various awards including:
Most thought-provoking film on social issues at the sixth Independent South Asian Film Festival, Seattle.
Best Critic Award at Cairo Film Festival.
Award for best film on environment conservation/presentation at the 56th National Film Awards.
Best Foreign Feature Film award at Muscat Film Festival.
2010: Received Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding contribution to cinema by Odia Society of Americas.
2011: Received State Award for best story writer and direction.

Disclaimer:The information provided on this page is sourced from various publicly available platforms including https://en.wikipedia.org/, https://sansad.in/ls, https://sansad.in/rs, https://pib.gov.in/, https://affidavit.eci.gov.in/ and the official websites of state assemblies respectively. While we make every effort to maintain the accuracy, comprehensiveness and timeliness of the information provided, we cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy or reliability of the content. The data presented here has been compiled without consideration of the objectives or opinions of individuals who may access it.