India, Aug. 20 -- Sambalpur: Eminent Sambalpuri playwright, poet and lyricist Padma Shri Binod Kumar Pasayat passed away in Sambalpur today. He was 89.

Pasayat, who was suffering from age-related ailments, developed complications this morning. He breathed his last at his residence near Sen Park here.

Born on December 3, 1935, at Kusmel village in Balangir district, Pasayat made an indelible mark in Sambalpuri (Koshali) literature and folk culture. Despite being a barber by profession, he dedicated his life to the promotion of Sambalpuri drama, songs and poetry.

He gained popularity with his iconic play "Mui Nai Mare" (I Will Never Die) and went on to write around 12 Sambalpuri dramas and several hit Sambalpuri folk songs. His writings,...