Assam State Film Awards 2021: Celebrating Excellence in Assamese Cinema
Governor Honors Assamese Cinema at the 9th State Film Awards
Guwahati, Feb 16: The 9th Assam State Film Awards ceremony took place at the Sri Sri Damodordeva International Auditorium, where Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya recognized the achievements of filmmakers for the years 2020 and 2021.
The film Sabda Nishabda Kolahal, directed by Dhanjit Das, received four accolades, including Best Film and Best Director for 2021. Meanwhile, Balconit Bhagwan (God on the Balcony), helmed by Biswajit Bora, was honored with the same awards for 2020.
During the event, Acharya highlighted Assam's rich cultural heritage, emphasizing how the state has maintained its identity through language, folk arts, and storytelling. He noted that cinema has played a crucial role in broadening the reach of these traditions.
The Governor paid tribute to the historical significance of Assamese cinema, particularly the foundational work of Jyotiprasad Agarwala and his landmark film Joymoti, which he described as the roots of the industry.
He also honored the legacy of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, whose music promoted messages of humanity and unity, elevating Assamese culture on a global scale.
Acharya acknowledged the late Zubeen Garg's significant influence in revitalizing modern Assamese music and cinema, fostering a connection between the youth and their cultural heritage.
He remarked that cinema serves not only as entertainment but also as a reflection of society. Encouraging filmmakers to adopt new technologies, he urged them to continue their creative endeavors with passion. He congratulated all award recipients.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to veteran actors Dinesh Das (2021) and Jayanta Bhagawati (2020). Additionally, JP Das received the Jayanta Hazarika Award for 2021, while Shankar Lall Goenka was honored for 2020 for their contributions to Assamese cinema.
In the short film category, Kumu by Akansha Bhagawati won the Nip Barua Award for 2020, and Xogun by Utpal Barpujari took home the award for 2021.
For documentaries, Screaming Butterflies by Aimee Baruah won the Naren Barua Award for 2020, while Breaking the Silence by Parthajit Baruah was awarded for 2021.
Shankuraj Konwar was recognized as the Best Male Playback Singer for 2020, with Zubilee Baruah and Meghan Scott winning the Best Female Singer Award. For 2021, Rupam Bhuyan was awarded Best Male Playback Singer, while Mamani Kalita received the Best Female Playback Singer Award.
Aparajita Pujari and Dr. Dipshika Bhagawati were honored with the Pabitra Kumar Deka Award for Best Article Writing on Cinema for 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Borah, MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi, and Simanta Shekhar, Chairman of the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation, were also in attendance.
In his address, Bimal Borah acknowledged the contributions of various filmmakers, actors, and musicians to the Assamese film industry, stating that efforts are underway to support artists and create a favorable environment for filmmaking in the state.
Simanta Shekhar opened the ceremony with a welcome speech, outlining the government's initiatives aimed at enhancing the cinema landscape in Assam.