After matriculation he joined Maharaja Purnachandra College, Baripada for his intermediate and bachelor's in science.
Though there were many contenders for the lead role, the director Sadhu Meher had a special interest in his capability and looks.
Uttam now opted seriously to be an actor, and slowly stabilised his position in the Odia film industry.
While staying in Kolkata he got an offer from director Dhir Biswal for his upcoming film titled Gouri.
Then a streak of films like "Nijhum ratira sathi", "Chinha Achhinha", "Ramayana", Tapasya, Ram Balram happened.
By the time he was established as a romantic star.Uttam Mohanty was especially adored for his effortless naturalism in front of the camera and a distinctively urbane charisma that broke free from the prototypical Odia screen hero of the past.
[citation needed] He went on to form successful screen pairs with many leading ladies like Rita Chand, Sujata Ananda, Tandra Roy, Mahasweta Ray, Deepa Sahu, Subhra Pati, Aparajeeta, Baisali, Sangeeta Das and even Rachana Benerjee and other non-Odia actress.
Often hailed as the one-man industry, Uttam Mohanty dominated Odia cinema for three decades.
Abhiman, Danda Balunga, Bhakta Salabega are even remembered today for his stupendous acting.
Other heroines who have acted opposite him include Anita, Sujata, Tandra, Deepa, Baisali, Subhra Pati, and Rachana Bannerje.
His rural fan base led him to do many films which had rustic story lines and from which intellectuals shied away.
Many critics and fellow actors and seniors have often expressed in public podium that during the commercially dry days of early nineties of Odia cinema, when the Odia film industry was under heavy financial stress, it was Uttam Mohanty's efforts and charm which saved the day.