The End of an Era: Theatre Bhagyadevi Closes After 57 Years

A Sad Farewell to a Cultural Icon

Nalbari, July 1: In a poignant moment for Assam's artistic community, Theatre Bhagyadevi, one of the state's oldest mobile theatre groups, has officially closed its doors after an impressive 57-year journey.

Regarded as a symbol of pride in Nalbari and a cherished name among theatre enthusiasts throughout Assam, the closure of Bhagyadevi signifies the conclusion of an era that once captivated audiences with its remarkable performances in village fields and festival venues.

Established by the late Sharad Majumdar, Theatre Bhagyadevi served as a launching pad for many of Assam's most renowned actors.

In a statement to the media, the current producer, Majumdar, who took over the troupe's legacy from his father in 2002, expressed the heart-wrenching decision to shut down.

“For the past 2–3 years, I have been facing continuous losses. Initially, they were manageable—around Rs 2–3 lakh. However, the deficit has now escalated to Rs 30–40 lakh annually, making it unsustainable,” Majumdar shared, his voice filled with sorrow.

He pointed to the emergence of numerous new mobile theatre groups in Assam each year, which has intensified competition.

“In the past, businesses supported Bhagyadevi because of its established reputation. Nowadays, they prefer to invest in newer troupes for a fresh experience. Additionally, we have very few artists remaining—most have transitioned to other platforms,” he noted.

Over the years, notable figures such as Biju Phukan, Pranjit Das, Champak Sharma, Jatin Bora, Ravi Sharma, Prastuti Parashar, Angoorlata, Akashdeep, Rajkumar, Gayatri Mahanta, Rag Anitem, and Minakshi Neog have performed on Bhagyadevi's stage, attracting large audiences with their unforgettable acts.

However, that stage now stands vacant—not due to a lack of talent or enthusiasm, but because of a severe shortage of financial backing.

Bhagyadevi's legacy extended beyond star power. Its productions—Churen Choror Putek, Milan Mala, Girip Garap Koina Ahi Se, and Rakt Bidhyut Pathak B.A.—have left a lasting impression on generations.

For theatre lovers in Assam, the name Bhagyadevi conjured memories of nostalgia, joy, tears, and the thrill of sold-out shows—an emotional connection that newer groups have yet to replicate.

In his final plea, Majumdar called on the government and the cultural department to provide support for the vulnerable mobile theatre sector—an art form that has promoted Assamese culture to the farthest reaches of the state for many years.

“The government needs to consider the individuals operating these theatres. It's not solely about the performers on stage; it also concerns the livelihoods of over 120 workers and backstage personnel. While I will retain some lights and equipment, bamboo poles and other tools cannot be stored indefinitely. We require proper policy support to preserve this heritage,” he emphasized.

Although Majumdar views the closure as a temporary pause, the future remains uncertain. With no new bookings and deteriorating finances, the entire theatre community is left grappling with the sorrow of witnessing a cherished tradition quietly diminish.