Renowned writer, documentary filmmaker and journalist Geeta Mehta, daughter of Odisha’s famous politician and former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, passed away in Delhi today. She was the elder sister of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. She was married to the famous American publisher, late Sunny Mehta.
Born in 1943 in Delhi to Biju Patnaik and Gyan Patnaik, Geeta was educated in India and at Cambridge University in Britain. He has written five books Karma Cola, Snake and Ladder, A River Sutra, Raj and The Eternal Ganesha.
Sources said that Geeta Mehta was very close to her younger brother Naveen Patnaik. During his last visit to Bhubaneswar, he had told journalists that “the people of Odisha are very lucky to have a Chief Minister like Naveen Patnaik.”
PM Narendra Modi condoled his demise in a post on ‘X’. He wrote, “I am saddened by the demise of renowned writer Geeta Mehta ji. She was a versatile personality, known for her intelligence and passion for writing as well as filmmaking. She was also passionate about nature and water conservation.” She was emotional. My condolences are with Naveen Patnaik ji and the entire family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal has also expressed condolence on his demise. He wrote on ‘X’ – “Saddened to know about the demise of accomplished English writer Geeta Mehta, sister of CM Naveen Patnaik and expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends.”
Many ministers and eminent persons of Odisha have expressed grief over the demise of Geeta Mehta.
