Tribute to Shankar Lall Goenka: A Pioneer of Assamese Cinema

Shankar Lall Goenka, a revered industrialist and film producer, passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a rich legacy in Assamese cinema. Known for his significant contributions to the film industry in Assam and Meghalaya, Goenka was instrumental in producing award-winning films and promoting regional talent. His philanthropic efforts extended to education and healthcare, supporting underprivileged communities. With numerous accolades to his name, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award, his impact on the film fraternity and society will be long remembered. His passing has elicited heartfelt condolences from the business and film communities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 7, 2026, 16:44 IST

A Legacy Remembered

Shankar Lall Goenka

Guwahati, Nov 7: Shankar Lall Goenka, a prominent figure in the film industry and a veteran industrialist, passed away on November 6 at the age of 90. His contributions to the cinema of Assam and Meghalaya were invaluable.

Goenka was a well-respected name in both the film and business sectors, having dedicated decades to the growth of cinema in the Northeast. His family's cinematic legacy began in 1926 with the establishment of Kelvin Cinema in Shillong.

Throughout his career, he fostered relationships with many influential figures in Assamese and Northeast Indian cinema, including the iconic musician and filmmaker Bhupen Hazarika, singer Zubeen Garg, and directors Jahnu Barua and Manju Borah.

As a film producer, Goenka made significant contributions through his production company, Shiven Arts. He was instrumental in producing three award-winning films: Jahnu Barua's 'Ajeyo' (2014), Manju Borah's 'Dau Huduni Methai' (2015), and Pradip Kurbah's 'Iewduh' (2019), all of which garnered National Film Awards and highlighted the talent of filmmakers from Assam and Meghalaya.

In 2024, he played a key role in launching the Filmfare Awards Assamese in Guwahati via the Jeevan Ram Mungi Devi Goenka Memorial Public Charitable Trust, which aimed to elevate the profile of Assamese cinema.

Born on December 3, 1935, Goenka's philanthropic efforts extended beyond film, focusing on education and healthcare. His trust provided scholarships, medical aid for the underprivileged, and free eye treatment programs, along with cancer care initiatives in collaboration with Dr. B Borooah Cancer Institute.

His accolades included the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award in 2010, the Ekkushe Samman in 2019, and the Jayanta Hazarika Award from the Government of Assam in 2026 for his exceptional contributions to Assamese cinema. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Filmfare Awards – Assamese in 2026.

Goenka is survived by his son Siddharth, a grandson, a daughter-in-law, and two daughters, along with other family members. His last rites were conducted at Bhootnath on Saturday.

The business and film communities have expressed their sorrow and offered condolences to his family during this difficult time.