Back issues  

Bandhan releasing on October 3:

Bandhan, an Assamese feature film directed by Taufique Rahman, under the banner of NPGC Visual Communication, is going to released on 3rd October at Sivasagar, Dibrugarh and North Lakhimpur. The film is produced by Jitendra Nath Das while Chakradhar Deka is the associate producer. The story, script and dialogue are written by Waiskurni Bora with the backdrop of the tea gardens. Monoj Sarma has provided the music while Rupam Talukdar is in charge of background music. The cinematography is by Hari Rai. The artistes include Bibhas Chakravarty, Madhusmita Saikia, Taufique Rehman, Jayanta Bhagawati, newcomer Biju Barua, Guna Mahanta, Akashitora, Mridul Chutia, Niloy Gupta and Barnali Pujari.

Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram releasing on Sept 26:

Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram- an Assamese feature film directed by Brajen Bora is set for release on september 26 at Biswanath Chariali, Jorhat and Dhemaji in memory of actress late Rimjim Barua. The film is Rimjim's last as she died even before the completion of the film. The story has been written by Promod Barua, the chief producer of the film while director Brajen Bora has penned screenplay. Incidentally members of three generations of a family are appearing together in the film. They are- Pratibha Barua, her daughter and son-in-law Promod Barua, Rimjim and Brajen Bora, her daughter and son-in-law of Barua and his grand sons Rib Bora and Tyson Baua. Leading roles in the film have been portrayed by Nipon Goswami, Purnima Saikia, Nayan Nirban Barua, Barnali Pujari and supported by a host of artistes. Bhupen Ujir has provided the music. Nirmal Deka and Paresh Barua have been in charge of photography. Meanwhile, Brajen Bora's Mahapurush, made under the banner of Joy Guru Cine Production, and produced by Dilip Barua is progressing well.

Juman-Suman releasing on Sept 19:

FH Production's Assamese movie Juman-suman directed by Mahibul Haque was cleared by the census on September 4 and is now awaiting release on September 19 at Dhubri, Gauripur and Jorhat. With the backdrop of city and village life, the story, script and dialogue are written by the director. Anjan Kalita is the technical director while Siddartha Barua is the cinematographer. A galaxy of Assamese stars are in the cast of Juman-Suman. They are Nipon Goswami, Abdul Majid, Jatin Bora, Prastuti Parashar, Barasharani Bishya and Hiranya Deka. They are supported by Paresh Bordoloi, Wazed Ali chowdhury, Mahibul Haque, newcomers Gayatri Mahanta, Michael, Nichel and others. The choreography is by Ashim Baishya and Jini Moholia while Nuruddin Ahmed is in charge of art direction.

Soru Bowari releasing in city on September 5:

Rajkumar Film Production's Assamese film Soru Bowari, produced and directed by Chakradhar Deka, who has also written the story and screenplay, is releasing on September 5 at different theatres in the city. The artistes in the romantic-social family picture include Ravi Sarma, Jayanta Bhagawati, Rajiv Goswami, Mihirjyoti Barua, Bina Baruwati, Munmun Das, Aaimy Baruah, Barnali Pujari and Nilu Chakravarty. Shivanan Barua is the operating cameraman, while Bijoylakshmi is the music director.

Discover Assam: documentary on tourism

With a view to promoting tourism in Assam, Bhagawati Telefilms of Duliajan has completed a documentary Discover Assam as a commissioned programme for Guwahati Doordarshan. Exploring the tourism potential of Assam under the categories of oil tourism, tea tourism, golf tourism, heritage and nature and wildlife tourism, a few places of importance have been included in the film to attract tourists. The concept, script and direction of the documentary is by Bibhuti Bhagowati. Roman Sarma is the associate director with screenplay and narrative script to his credit besides the rendering of voice along with Shyamashree Senapati. Edited at Link Communication by Krishna Choudhury, the

film's music is scored by Ujjal Das (Jon).

Ujanir Dujani Gabharu nearing completion:

Assamese feature film Ujanir Dujani Gabharu directed by Chandra Mudoi under the banner of RB Films is nearing completion with final editing touches by Manas Adhikari at Adhikari Vision Studio. The story is written by Mudoi with a village back-drop and it revolves around two twin sisters of different natures. Barasharani Bishya, the popular actress, has played the dual role of twin sisters, one is of a dumb girl and another a happy-go-lucky one. Against her in the lead is popular actor rabi Sarma. Others in the cast include Bikram Hazarika, Guna Mahanta, Chetana Das, Reba Phukan, Mukul Das, Dr Rajen Jaiswal, Amal Barua, Raj saikia, Bhanu Bharali and Adhar Das. Manas rabin has composed the music with playback singing by Zubin Garg and others. The two and half-hour film is slated for release during the forthcoming Durga Puja. The film is produced by Lalit Bharali and Amal Barua.

Akashitorar Kathare ready for release:

Manju bora's latest offereng Akashitorar Kathare, a feature film produced by Sangita Tamuli under the banner of Chitra Communication was given an A certificate by the Censor Board. The reason is that in a traditional dance sequence, Kocl Rajbonshi women appear bare bodied to worship the Sun-god for rain during the Hudung Puja. The dance is shown in the film in its original form. The story and script of the film has been penned by Manju Bora. Torali Sarma, poplar singer has scored the music for the film. The leading roles have been portrayed by Aparna Dutta Chouddhury, Bishnu Kharghoria, Pranjal Saikia, Ankur Baishya, Dilip Bora and Rina Bora- a renowned actress of mobile theatre. Meanwhile the film has been sent for the Indian Panorama.

Juman - Suman releasing on Aug 15:

Assamese film Juman-Suman, produced and directed by Mahibul Haque, a former Minister from Dhubri is going to be released on August 15 at Dhubri, Gauripur and two other centres. The film will be released in Guwahati later on. The director informs that considering the local sentiment, the decision has been taken to release the film in the above two centres. Zubeen Garg is the music director. the cast includes a number of veteran actors and newcomers. Gayatri Mahanta, a popular actress of mobile theatre is appearing as the heroine for the first time. Other newcomers include Michal, Pappoo, Mahammad Ali and Nikel. Others in leading roles are Nipon Goswami, Abdul Majid, dinesh Das, Jatin Bora, Prastuti Parashar, Barasharani Bishya, Hiranya Deka and Mahibul Haque. Kaju is the editor of the film.

Tora Khasgir: Heroine of Bombay Masti

Tora Khasgir, the Gladrags mega model from Assam entered Bollywood has been assigned to play the heroine's role in Bombay Masti directed by Puru-the son of legendary actor Raj Kumar. Tora is teamed with Dino Morea of Raaz fame. Incidentally, Bombay Masti is Puru's first directorial venture. Tora is otherwise busy modelling for advertisements.

Shooting of Ma Tumi Ananya completed:

The shooting of Munna Ahmed's sixth venture, Ma Tumi Ananya was recently completed, covering locations in the city, Shillong and scenic spots of Kolkata. The story of the film is based on the Assamese novel written by the late Amiya Bharali, mother of Pranjal Bharali, the producer of the film. Chabi Bharali is the co-producer. Sambhu Gupta has written the screenplay and dialogues and the camera work is by Benu Neog. The music

has been provided by Dr Hitesh Barua, a physician and a new-comer in the field of music while the songs have been rendered by Zubeen Garg, Santa Uzir, Kalpana Patowari, Navanita Sarma Bora, Tarali Sarma and Akhtar Hussain. Ashim Baishya is the choreographer. Major roles in the film are portrayed by Biju Phukan, Nipon Goswami, Jatin Bora, Chetana Das, Mridula Barua, reba Phukan, Ravi Sarma, Luna Lahkar, hagawat Pritam and Dinesh Das. Meanwhile, the audio cassette of the film's songs is set to be released soon.

Assamese film in Adivasi (Chabri) language:

NK Productions of Tumi Mor Matho Mor fame has launched its second venture Maya, an Assamese film, which is going to have eighty per cent dialogue in Chabri, a language used by the Adivasi tea-tribes of Assam. Noted filmmaker-writer Munin Barua has penned the screenplay based on Ranju Hazarika's story Narakar Phul written against the backdrop of the way of life of the tea-tribes, their joys and sorrows, hopes aspirations. The film is jointly produced by Raj Bhuyan and Pabitra Magherita, both of whom are well-connected with films and music. Uman duara is the cinamatographer while the music has been scored by Subil Barg. Nuruddin Ahmed is the art director. The artistes are- Anandamohan Bhagawati, Baharul Islam, Padma Koiri, Mukul Das, Ashim Baishya, Pakija Begum, Madhurima Chaowdhury, Debajit Hazarika and others. The film has been produced by Deba Barkataki.

Eiyei Jonak Bihin Jivan:

Eiyei Jonak Bihin Jivan, directed by Munna Ahmed is being released in the city after being screened in different parts of Assam since April 17. The film, produced by Gojen Das, has in the cast Nipon Goswami, Indra Bania, Jatin Bora, Mridula Barua, Prastuti Parashar, Ananya Pachani, Atul Pachani and the students of the School of Drama, Assam. Manas Rabin has directed the music with playback singing by Zubeen Garg and Tarali Sarma. The choregraphy is by jinni Moholia and Ashim Baishya. The story-concept of the film is by Ashis Barua while Shambhu Gupta has written the screenplay.

Hepah nearing completion:

Mathiasiga Pictures' Assamese feature film Hepah is progressing fast and nearing completion. The director of the film Shankar Barua has written the story, script and dialogue. The film has a number of popular artistes which include Biju Phukan, Jatin bora, Gitawali Rajkumari, Sanjiv Hazarika, Guna Mahanta, Bhagawat Pritam and Mridula Barua. The music has been scored by Jitul Sonowal and the songs have been written by Nirmal Prabha Bordoloi and Nalini Mahanta Dutta.

Barasharani-heroine of Bengali films:

Barasharani Bishaya, the popular actress of Assamese films is appearing as the heroine in a big-budget Bengali film - Kuiasha (Fog), directed by well-known director Milon Bhowmick. The story, written by Subhankar revolves round mystery, murder and crime. Barasharani plays a challenging role in the film. The theme is based on love and romance between a young boy and girl named Amit and Megha. Barasharani plays the role of Megha. In course of time, a restless spirit possess Megha and her behaviour and expressions changes. The hero's role is played by Tanbir, an upcoming actor of Kolkata, who has made his debut in the Hindi film Ashique Mera Naam.

Nayanmoni Barua's -Eti Koli Duti Paat

Nayanmoni Barua's first directorial venture Eti Koli Duti Paat, produced under the banner of Films Division has been recently completed, it is learnt. Barua told this writer that the

story written by Bandana Barua is about the lives of two young tea garden girls - and the young and sorrows and hoped and aspirations. Besides writing the screenplay and dialogues, director Barua has also written the lyrics and scored the music. Through popular as a music director, Mumbai based Barua had earlier made a few documentaries, telefilms and serials including Anubhav. The songs are rendered by Sangita Kakati with the musical arrangement by Rupam Talukdar.

Mahapurush nearing completion

Joyguru Cine Production's maiden offer Mahapurush, a feature film is progressing well under the direction of Brajen Bora. Though the title suggests the film to be a religious one, it is not so, it is an entertaining film with the story and screenplay written by director Bora. The dual role of the hero is played by well-known choreographer Ashim Baishya. The two romantic heroines opposite him are Gayatri Mahata and Bhavana Kakati. A good number of veteran and new artistes are portraying various roles. They are Hadi Alam Bora, Promod Barua, Pranjal Saikia, Dinesh Das, Atul Pachani, Dilip Bora, Bubul Bothra, Bipul Barua, Baby Lahkar, Chetana Das, Madhurima Choudhury, Panchi Barua, Brajen Barua and others. The music is provided by Abhi Banikya and JB Rupam with playback singing by Pulak Banerji, Rameswar Pathak, Zubeen Garg, Mitali Choudhury, Sangita Barthakur, Chetana Das, Amlan Kataki, Bidyasagar, Chayanika Barua, Manikanchan and Bubu. The choreography of the songs are being jointly done by Brajen Bora and Ashim Baishya. Major portions of the film were shot in and around Bishwanath Chariali with camera work by Paresh Barua.

Borola Sansar progressing

Guwahati:After the success of Mitha Mitha Laganat, Tomba Movies is going ahead with their second offering - Borola Sansar, produced by Sushanta Mazindar Barua and Sudipta Mazindar Baura. Screenplay and dialogue of this comedy film is written by Anjan Kalita. The film is directed by Achyut Bhagawati.

Chandra Mudoi's new film

Guwahati: The shooting of director Chandra Mudoi's new film Ujanir Dujani Gabhoru is progressing well with cinematography by Dinesh Thakur of Mumbai. The story centers around two twin girls and their joys and sorrows, hopes and aspirations.

Akashitorar kathare nearing completion

Akashitorar kathare (A Tale told a Thousand Times), an Assamese feature film directed by Manju Bora is presently on the editing table of award winning editor Srikar Prasad in Chennai. Dubbing is slated to start at Filmcraft, Guwahati from April 1 under second recordist Jatin Sarma.

The film is produced under the banner of Chitra Films by Sangita Tamuli. The producer has a number of TV serials, docufeatures and quickies to her credit. She has also directed two popular TV serials - Ardha Akash and Geetor Godhuli. It may be mentioned here that Sangeeta Tamuli is a diploma holder in Mass Communication from Delhi where also she gathered practical knowledge on Radio and TV productions.

Ujanir Dujani Gabharu in the offering

Director Chandra Mudoi of Maghat Mamonir Biya fame has launched his next directorial venture Ujannir Dujani Gabhoru to be produced by Lalit Bharali and Amal Barua under the banner of RB Films. Mudoi has written the story, screenplay and dialogues on the

theme of two twin sisters- their joys and sorrows and mental conflicts. Five songs have already been recorded in Mumbai under the music direction of Manas Rabin. Dinesh Thakkar of Mumbai is the operating cameraman. The lead roles are portrayed by Rabi Sarma and Barsharani Bishaya, supported by Bikram Hazarika, Chetana Das, Guna Mahanta, Hira Neog and others.

Suman's next film

After the success of Koina Mor Dhunia and Kokadeutar Ghar Jowai, director Suman Haripriya is planning to make her third film - Konmanir Kashate Ghar. She has already completed the script and shooting will start soon. The star studded film will have Biju Phukan, Nipon Goswami, Pranjal Saikia, Ritu Das and Jayanta Bhagawati -while other roles are being finalised. Zubeen Garg will be in charge of music direction.

Surya Prabhati Kiron awaiting release

Surya Prabhati Kiron, produced and director by Mrinal Saikia of Goalpara id awaiting release soon. The story of the entertaining film is written by Bishwajit Phukan. Kamal Rashid Ahmed of Goon Goon Ganey Ganey fame has scored the music of the film and the songs are written by Shantanu Mahanta and Anil Kalita. Camera work is done by K Bhabani Shankar. Jini Moholia is in charge of choreography. Sonit Kumar Barua and Muluki Gogoi are the associate producers of the film which has in the cast- Madhusmita Barua, Mihirjyoti Barua, Nibedita Gogoi, newcomer Swagata Barua, Hiranya Bhattacharya and others.

Moromi Priya : Appealing songs

Moromi Priya, presented by Gargi and R Series Music is an audio cassette of modern songs which hit the stands recently. All the songs are appealing, with meaningful lyrics and well composed tunes. The rendition by Saju, Anupam Saikia and Parveen are a real treat to the ears. The lyricists are Diganta Kalita, Anupam Saikia, Diganta Sarma, A Shivam and Babul Bora. Special mention may be made of songs like Kareno rupani and Ubhati jabare hole by Anupam, Oi jaan dehajan, by Parveen , Hiya jwale and Khosia tamol by Saju. Produced by Rantu, the album's music is provided by Diganta Sarma.

Bidhata releasing on March 28

Guwahati : Bidhata, the second venture of CS Narayan and Swaraj Das (Baba) after the success of Kanyadaan is scheduled for release on March 28 at Dibrugarh, Dhemaji, Nagaon and Sivasagar. Besides directing , Munin Barua has penned the story, screenplay and dialogues. The story centres round the life, love, ups and downs, joys and sorrows of the hero. The central character is portrayed by Jatin Bora. Others in the cast include well known artistes like Bishnu Khargharia, Barsharani Bishya, Pranjal Saikia, Purabi Sarma, Mridula Barua, Arun Nath, Rajiv Goswami, Madhurima Chowdhury, Hiranya Deka and Bhaskar Bora. Hadi Alam Bora and Kapil Bora appear as guest artistes. Zubeen Garg is the music director while choreography is by Ashim Baishya. The cinematography is by Suman Duara and editing is by Srikar Prasad. Sanjiv Das is the executive producer of Bidhata.

Eti Koli Duti Paat awaiting release

Guwahati : Films Divisions' presentation -Eti Koli Duti Paat, produced by North East Communications and directed by Nayanmoni Barua is headed for the Censor Board this current month. The story of the film is written by Bandana Barua against the backdrop of the tea gardens of Assam and the hopes and aspirations of two young girls belonging to the tea tribes. The script and dialogues are written by Director Barua, who has also

scored the music. Rupam Talukdar is the music arranger while Sangita Kakati has playbacked for the same. Arup Manna is the cinematographer. The cast in the film includes Madhusmita Saikia, Rashmi Devi, Upakul Bordoloi, Lakshmi Barthakur, Munmun Das, Suren Bora, Ruby Mahanta and Rajiv Kro. The film is scheduled for an early release. 

Prem Bhora Chakulu nearing completion

Guwahati : Director Prabin Bora's latest presentation Prem Bhora Chakulu is headed for the editing table of editor S Jamuna Chandrababu in Chennai. As the name suggests, the film is a romantic one. The story by Sarat Bora centres round college boy and girl who fall in love while on an educational tour. Prabin Bora has penned the script and dialogues of the film, produced under the banner of LN Films. The music is provided by Abani-Bhaben with musical arrangement by Rupamjyoti Bora. He melodious songs are suitably rendered by Zubeen Garg, Debajit Chowdhury, Pankaj Bordoloi, Anindita Pal, Samrat Bora, Tulika Lahkar, Pankaj Dutta, Ashimjyoti Barua, Hiren Sarma and Ditimoni Barua. Shibanan Barua is the cameraman of the film, which has in the cast Nipon Goswami, Purnima Saikia, Nayan Nirban Barua, Aimee Barua, Mallika Sarma, Bhagwat Pritam, Moonmoon Das and others. The film is set for release during the forthcoming Rongali Bihu.

Suryar Prabhati Kiron progressing fast

Guwahati : Surya Probhati Kiron, a feature film produced and directed by Mrinal Saikia of Golaghat is progressing fast under the banner of Udaygiri Films. According to Saikia, the story is an off-beat one, written by Bishwajit Phukan and deals with present day problems. Saikia earlier produced Dinesh Gogoi's SuryaTezar Anya Naam, based on armed struggle and terrorism. Utpal Sarma has written the screenplay and dialogue, keeping in view the entertainment aspect. The music is scored by Kamal Rashid Ahmed of Goon Goon Ganey Ganey fame, based on melodious tunes of Assam. The musical arrangement is by Anirudha Barua while the songs are rendered by Zubeen Garg Namita Bhattacharya, Sandhya Menon, Saju and Mridu Jonak. Shooting has been completed with camera work by K Bhabani Shankar. The cast in the film include Golap Dutta of Dharmakai fame, politician Hiranya Kumar Bhattacharya, Madhusmita Barua, Nibedita Gogoi, Nikhil Bhattacharya, Padmarag Goswami, Pradip Mahanta, Rajiblochan Bora and child artiste Rubeen Sarma.

Tomba Movies new film

Guwahati : Susanta Mazindar Barua and Sdipta Mazindar Barua, who launched their maiden venture with Mitha Mitha Laganat under the banner of Tomba Movies are going ahead with their second film, which is yet to be titled.

The preliminary work of the film has been completed, along with preparation of the music track consisting of six songs with the musical score by Manas Rabin. The producers said that the songs have been composed with improvisations of traditional music. Zubeen Garg will lend his voice for several songs.

Achyut Bhagawati, the director of the film will start shooting at Jyoti Chitraban Studio from March 21. The script and dialogues of this family picture have been written by Anjan Kalita, who is also in charge of production design. The cast so far finalised includes Prastuti Parashar, Pranjana Dutta, Parmita Barthakur, Hirana Deka, Mihirjyoti Barua and Some others. Siddhartha Barua is the operating cameramen.

Muhurat of Mahapurush

Guwahati : The muhurat of Joyguru Production's (Bishwanath Chariali) Mahapurush produced by Dilip Barua and directed by Brajen Bora was held recently at Jyoti Chitraban Studio. As the title suggests, the film is based on the ideals and teachings of Sri Sri Anukul Thakur and Sri Sri Sankardev. At the muhurat function, Hadi Alam Bora garlanded the camera, Nipon Goswami switched on the camera while Promod Baruah broke the coconut and minister for culture Pranati Phukan gave the clapstick.

Producer Dilip Barua announced that the profit from the film will be contributed to 20 poor meritorious students who secure positions in the HSLC examination for higher studies for three years while a portion will be given to the Rimjhim Barua Trust meant for social service. Gayatri Mahanta and Ashim Baishya will play two important roles in the film. More details are awaited.

Munna Ahmed to direct Darpan and Tumi Ananya

Guwahati : Munna Ahmed, who has carved a niche in film direction with his films Jone Jwale Kopalat Zakham and Jibon Nadir Duti Paar, is presently busy working out details for his forthcoming ventures, Darpan is going to be produced by Saurav Baruah, producer of Hriday Kopowa Gaan under the banner of NRB Films. The story is written by Avtar Singh, for which Mridul Kumar Barua has prepared the screenplay and dialogue. Zubeen Garg is in charge of composing music. Shooting is scheduled for this month, mostly at Guwahati and Shillong with popular artisters like Biju Phukan, Nipon Goswami, Jatin Bora, Rabi Sarma, Gitawali, Ananya etc.

The other film, Ma Tumi Ananya is being produced by Pranjal Bharali. It is based on a novel by the late Amaya Bharali titled Anany. Sambhu Gupta has penned the screenplay and dialogue. Music is by Hitesh Barua. The shooting will start in May with Nipon Goswami, Biju Phukan, Rabi Sarma, Pranjana Dutta, Ananya and others.

Felicitation to Dr Hazarika

Guwahati : A group of Students and parents of Kanwachal Bikash Sadan, Guwahati , a cultural organization and coaching centre recently accorded felicitation to Dr Bhupen Hazarika at his residence, Among others Gunada Das Kaur, the veteran singer was present on the occasion. The group was led by Kiron Sarma, AIR artiste and chief music teacher of the organization.

Pulak Gogoi's Patni released on 24th January

Guwahati : Well known film director Pulak Gogoi's latest Assamese feature film Patni is releasing on 24th January at different theatres of Assam. The story of this off-beat film is inspired by a short-story The Wife written of Myanmar. Gogoi has himself written the screen-play and dialogue.

The artistes in the film are Jayanta Bhagawati, Pakija Begum, Gitawali Rajkumari, Chetana Das, Bikram Hazarika, Junu Barua, Jyoti Gayan, Saranga Bora, Moloy Paban, Mary Laskar, Prakash Bora, Nilima Barkakti, Rumi Devi, Ratul Laskar, Chuni Bhattacharya and others. Paresh Barua is the cinematographer, while the editing has been done by Manas Adhikary. There is a commentary in the film by Pranjal Saikia. Atul Medhi has composed music for the film and audio-cassette of the songs has been well-received by listeners.

Shooting of Juman Suman completed

Guwahati : The shooting of FH Productions' Assamese feature film Juman Suman

produced and directed by Mahibul Haque, (former minister) has been completed and it will be soon in the editing table. Kaju will do the editing in Channai. Director Haque has written the story, screenplay and dialogue of Juman Suman which centres round two brothers and their ups and downs in life.

The film has a team of popular artistes like Barsharani Bishaya, Prastuti Parashar, Jatin Bora, Nipon Goswami, Hiranya Deka, Dinesh Das, newcomers Nikel and Gayatri Mahanta, Paresh Bordoloi and others. The music has been scored by Zubeen Garg who has also added a qawaali number in the film. The film is likely to be ready by March next.

Audio cassette of film songs

Guwahati : Pradip Das Presentation's Assamese audio cassette Mitha Mitha, released recently has been well appreciated by the listeners. The cassette is dedicated to the memory of Bijoy Shankar, Jayanta Hazarika and Ridip Dutta. The cassette contains popular Assamese film songs of Jayanta Hazarika, Ridip Dutta and others - sung by JP Das, Shanta Uzir, Malabika Bora, Jinti Das and Pradip Das. Ridip Dutta's last recorded song is also in the album. Suitable music arrangement by Manas Hazarika, Rupam Talukdar, JP Das and Pradip Das has made the album worth listening.

JP Films Agnisakshi releasing on 17th January

Guwahati : JP Films' first production- Assamese feature film Agnisakshi, produced and directed by Jadumoni Dutta is releasing on 17th January in Jorhat, Tinsukia and Sivasagar. The acting in this family picture, based on an appealing story, is likely to be the highlight of the film as veteran actor Biju Phukan, Jatin Bora and Zerifa Wahid enacts challenging roles along with Jadumoni Dutta and Jayanta Das. Others in the cast - Chetana Das, Hiranya Deka and Arun Hazarika also play roles with a difference.

Manju Bora's Akashitorar Kathare progressing

Guwahati : Director Manju Bora's latest film under production Akashitorar Kathare is progressing steadily after the completion of the shooting schedule of 16 days in various locations in Assam. Extensive shooting was done in places like Gauhati University, Hajo, Madha -Kamdev, Boko, Jorhat and Dhubri - as the protagonist in the film Aksahitora is shown collecting research materials on Assamese folk culture. The story and screenplay is penned by the director Manju Bora herself. The music is by Tarali Sarma while camera work is done by Raju Mishra of Orissa. The cast include Bishnu Khargharia, Pranjal Saikia, Aparna Dutta Chowdhury, Ankur Bishaya, Dilip Bora and others. The film is producted by Sangita Tamuli.

Audio cassette of Bidhata released

Guwahati : The Audio cassette of the songs of director Munin Barua's latest film Bidhata was released here recently at a function held in the premises of the Assam Cine Journalists Association by renowned actor Biju Phukan. The cassette contains eight songs including the traditional one- Shyam Kanu. The music is directed by Zubeen Garg and the songs are playbacked by Zubeen and Shwasati, supported by Parinita and Swarin.

Bidhata is the second offering from Sangam Pictures after Kanyadan, produced by CS Narayan and Swaraj Das (Baba). Sanjiv Das is the executive producer of the film which has in the cast popular artistes like Bishnu Khargharia, Arun Nath, Jatin Bora, Rajiv Goswami, Bhaskar Bora, Hiranya Deka, Jagadish Bhuyan, Jowan Dutta, Purabi Sarma, Madhurima Chowdhury, Mridula Barua, Barsharani Bishoya and others. The producers informed that Bidhata is going to be released in March next at different theatres outside

Guwahati .

Juman Suman progressing fast

Guwahati : After the muhurat at Jyoti Chitraban on 22nd November of the Assamese film Juman Suman, it is progressing fast under the director of producer-director Mahibul Haque, former minister of Assam, Recently extensive shooting was done with the backdrop of the scenic beauty of Tiger Hills and Kanchanjunga around Darjeeling with camera work by Siddhartha Barua. The music is scored by Zubeen Garg with songs of lilting tunes. The artistes include Barsharani Bishaya, Prastuti Parashar, Nipon Goswami, Jatin Bora, Abdul Majid, Hiranya Deka, Anjan Dutta, Wazed Ali Chowdhury (Ministers) Magammad Ali, Michal, Paresh Bordoloi (SP Dhubri) and others. Anjan Kalita is the technical adviser and Malaya Pasban is the chief assistant director. Art director is by Nuruddin Ahmed and choreography is done by Ashim Baishya and Jini Moholia for this entertaining family picture. The story and screenplay is also written by the director.

Audio cassette of Patni released

The audio cassette of the songs of noted director Pulak Gogoi's latest offering Patni, a feature film was release here at a function held recently in the premises of the office of the Assam Chief Journalists Association by popular singer Samar Hazarika. The music for the film are off the beaten track and are likely to be received well by Assamese music lovers for their meaningful lyrics and melodious tunes. The endeavour to put traditional songs in their original form is praise worthy. Special mention should be made here of the traditional songs like Bharastar Hatoli song by Khagen Gogoi and Naam Bine Nai sung by Niranjan Kalita. The other two songs written by Keshab Mahanta and sung by Shanta Uzir, Saju and Krishnamoni Nath are appealing to the ears.

Arpan releasing on 3rd January

Swadhin Producers' Arpan, an Assamese film directed by Krishna Phukan is releasing on 3rd January at different theatres. The film is the first directorial venture by Krishna Phukan, who has a number of telefilms and TV serials to his credit. Rubul Das is the chief producer while Dipjyoti Bora is the co-producer. The director has also written the story, script and dialogue with the backdrop of city and village life. Sivanan Barua has operated the camera and music is provided by Jitumoni Kalita. The songs are rendered by Zubeen Garg, Jitul Sonowal, Dilip Das, Sunidhi Chowhan, Tarali Sarma, Malabika Bora, Swasati Phukan and Gitumoni Kalita. The film has Barsharani Bishaya, Madhumita Saikia, Nipon Goswami, Bina Baruwati, Hiranya Deka, Chetana Das, Jayshree Goswami, Amit Saraf and Krishna Phukan. An attraction in the cast is Anil Dhawan, noted actor of Hindi films. Shiba Das of Oriental films is in charge of the distribution of Arpan.

Documentaries on NE wildlife

Guwahati : Mike Pandey, internationally acclaimed documentary film maker on wildlife and twice winner of the Green Oscar or the Panda Award in 1994 and 2000 is currently busy preparing for documentaries on the North East. He is planning to produce 28 documentaries on wildlife and social issues of the region and has already submitted a proposal to Guwahati DD. Mike Pandey is often seen on Discovery Channel catching and taming dangerous snakes in a style of his own.

A worthy book on films

Guwahati : Cinema Cinema, an Assamese book on films written by Hemen Das, writer, actor and film director is perhaps first of its kind. In the book Sri Das has covered extensively with short history of films, screen-play, art-direction, cine photography,

sound , special effects, music, editing, censorship, education on films, science fiction, thrillers, historical epics, war films, horror films, western films, musical films and animation films. Das has elaborately described about each subject, dwelling at length with examples. Besides general film lovers, the book can general films lovers, the book can be of immense help to serious students of cinema in respect aspects. He has painstakingly presented analysis about some great films and its makers.

Moreover Das has provided much information about foreign, Indian and Assamese films. The chapter 'Some Film & Television Institutes in India' which provides details about admission, courses and address, has added extra colour to the book.

Pulak Gogoi's Patni scheduled for release

Guwahati : Director Pulak Gogoi's eighth film- Patni has recently cleared the censors and is scheduled to be released next month. The story of the film is based on a short story title The Wife- written by a noted writer of Jagiar in Myanmar. Besides producing the film under his own banner, Pulak Gogoi Films, he has also written the script and dialogues.

Gogoi has informed that the film is a low-budget venture and made against the backdrop of an Assamese village. The major characters consist of a couple and their two children. According to Gogoi, the Naamghar of Assam plays an important role and film depicts emotions, crisis and reconciliation along with the love between a boy and a girl. Another highlight of the film would be its music, traditional and indigenous like Borgeet and Deh-Bichar. Atul Medhi has composed the music arranged by Rupam Talukdar. The songs are rendered by Shanta Uzir, Saju, Madhusmita Bhattacharya, Niranjan Kalita, Krishnamoni Nath, Khagen Gogoi, Dilip Phukan and Gagan Oja. The audio cassette of the songs is going to be released soon.

Prem Geet releasing on 19th December

Guwahati : Prem Geet, the first film directorial venture by actor Ashis Saikia is releasing on 19th at different theatres of Assam outside Guwahati. The film, produced by Majumala Saikia, has a number of popular artistes like Jatin Bora, Jerifa Wahid, Nipon Goswami, Jayanta Bhagawati, Sanjiv Hazarika, Upakul Bordoloi, Hiranya Deka, Kashmiri Saikia Barua, Chetana Das, Lipika Bora Medhi, Mridul Kumar Bora and Ashis Saikia. Besides directing and acting, Ashis Saikia has done the cinematography also. Manash Hazarika has scored the music-with the combination of western as well as indegeous tunes like Bihu. The songs are playbacked by Zubin Garg, Jitul Sonowal, Shanta Uzir, Malabika Bora, Trishna Devi, Sunidhi Chouhan, Mahalaxmi Aiyer, Dilip Nath and Barnali Hazarika. Choregraphy is by Ashim Baisya. According to Asish Saikia, Prem Geet is a film with all the commercial ingredients.

Dinesh Gogoi's Hit List ready for release

Guwahati : Assamese film Hit List, made under the banner of Evergreen films and directed by Dinesh Gogoi is awaiting release soon. Hit List- as the name suggests is action-oriented like Gogoi's earlier films like Surya Tezar Anya Naam, Sanghat- Sanghat and Agni. The story, screenplay and dialogues have been penned by the director himself. The director has projected the present day happenings of killings and revenge with commercial ingredients like dance, music and humour.

Agnisakshi releasing in January

Guwahati : JP Films' Agnisakshi- directed by Jadumoni Dutta is awaiting release in January next. The film is Dutta's first directorial venture. Besides producing the film, he has also planned the story- outline. Dr Dilip Kumar Barua has written the story, script

and dialogue.. According to the director, Agnisakshi is a musical family picture, removing round three major characters played by Jatin Bora, Jerifa Washid and Jadumoni Dutta, supported by Biju Phukan, Chetana Das, Hiranya Deka, Arun Hazarika, Jayanta Das and others. The audio cassette of the film was released recently. it is gaining popularity due to the innovative musical score by Zubeen, Manas Rabin, Moushumi Saharia, Khagen Gogoi and Mitali. Special mention may be made of the songs, Tumi Sone Amare Maramor and Karobar Sakue Hanhe. Suman Duara has handled the camera while Srikar Prasad has done the editing. Mitali Films of Guwahati is the distributor for the film. 

Chinki Achinaki progressing fast

Guwahati : Assamese women-director Anamika has come up with a feature film titled Chinaki Achinaki. She is the sixth in the line after Supaabha Devi, Kuntala Deka, Dr Swantana Bardoloi, Manju Bora and Suman Haripriya. Anamika has also written the story while screenplay and dialogues have been penned by critic-journalist Utpal Dutta. The popular lyricist-composer Diganta Kalita has made his entry as music director with the film, produced under the banner of Feelings. The audio cassette of the songs, sung by Zubeen Garg, Swashati and Arnab is expected to be released soon.

Shooting of Bandhan completed

NPGC Visual Communications' Assamese feature film Bandhan, directed by noted actor-director Taufique Rahman is progressing fast and will soon be on the editing table. He shooting of the film was recently completed with scenic outdoor locations like Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, Barapani in Meghalaya and the tea gardens of Assam. Incidentally, the story is written by Waeskurni Bora against the backdrop of the tea gardens. Bora has also penned the script and dialogue for Bandhan, produced jointly by Jitendranath Das and Chakradhar Deka. Rima Kalita and Gitima Das are the executive producers. The artistes are Taufique Rahman, Madhusmita Saikia, Jayanta Bhagawati, Akashitora, new comer Biju Barua and others. Barnali Pujari will be appearing as a guest artiste.

Mahibul Haque launches Juman-Suman

Mahibul Haque, a former minister from Dhubri has recently launched his debut as a producer-director with a film titled Juman Suman, under the banner is named after Mahibul Haque's father the late Faizur Haque, an actor and social worker of yesteryears. Incidentally Faizur Haque acted as a police officer in a Hindi movie five decades back.

Mahibul Haque, who had carved a niche in his youth as a stage actor and singer has written the story, script and dialogue for Juman Suman. The story about two brothers- being played by Jatin Bora and new comer Mamtazul Haque. The role of their sister is portrayed by Prastuti Parashar. The two romantic female leads are played by Barsharani Bishaya and Gayatri Mahata. The cast includes Abdul Mazid, Nipon Goswami, Hiranyna Deka, Dinesh Das, Mahibul Haque, Mustafizul Haque and Mahammed Ali. Presently shooting is going on in and around Dhubri, with cinematography by Sidhartha Barua. Outdoor locations will include Darjeeling Cooch Behar, Sikkim and Mirik. Anjan Kalita is the technical advisor of the film.

Meanwhile, Zubeen Garg is scoring music for the film in Mumbai. Choreography will be done by Ashim Baishya and Jini Moholia.

Manju Bora's new film

Guwahati : Film director Manju Borah of Baibhav fame has announced her next project, an Assamese feature film titled Aakashitarar Kathare..( A tale told thousand times). With music by Tarali Sarma, Manju Borah's third directorial venture is being produced by Sangita Tamuli under the banner of Chitra Communications.

The story and screenplay of the film written by Smt Borah with dialogues by Dilip Kumar Borah. Acclaimed sound recordist Jatin Sarma, cinematographer from Orissa Raju Mishra, make-up artist from Mumbai Gopal Singh will be working in the film, shooting for which is scheduled to begin this week itself.

Bidhata likely to be released by year end

Guwahati : Director Munin Barua's ninth film Bidhata is nearing completion. Preliminary editing, dubbing and background music is being done. The print is expected to be ready soon. The producer CS Narayan and Swaraj Das are the planning to lease the film by the year-end. The story, script and dialogue of this 'family picture' are written by Barua. Zubeen Garg has directed the music, with playback singing by himself and Swashati Phukan. The audio cassette is going to be released shortly.

Sati Radhika on the editing table

Guwahati : Sati Radhika, a feature film produced and directed by Anjali Das, a cultural activist of Sivasagar is now on the editing table. It is being edited by Dipak Bhuyan of Deutar Biya fame. The story is based on the life of a dedicated devotee of Srimanta Sankardev named Radhika. The script is written by the director herself. The role of Sri Sankardev is played by Nipon Goswami, supported by Abdul Majid, Jayanta Bhagawati, Indra Bania, Punya Das, Giasuddin Ahmed and others. Rupanjali Konwar of upper Assam has enacted the role of Sati Radhika.

Agnisakshi to be released in December

Guwahati : Jadumani Dutta of JP Films, Duliajan, who is producing and directing the Assamese film Agnisakshi, is excepting to release his film are written by Dr Dilip Kumar Barua. The leading romantic roles are enacted by Jatin Bora and Jerifa Wahid. Biju Phukan has played a major role in the film supported by Jadumani Dutta, Arun Hazarika, Hiranya Deka, Chetana Das and others. The highlight of the film is likely to be the music and songs written by Zubeen Garg, Diganta Kalita, Manas Rabin and Tarun Sarma are playbacked by Zubeen, Mausumi Saharia, Minakshi and Nagen Gogoi. Suman Duarah is in charge of the photography.

Assam Theatre Forum formed

Guwahati : Assam Theatre Forum, covering different amateur theatre groups of Assam was formed recently under the aegis of Natyacharcha of Dibrugarh and the National School of Drama, New Delhi. The object of the Forum is to maintain coordination and cooperation among theatre groups and activities, finding out solutions to the problems faced by the groups and to strengthen the theatre movement.

For the purpose, an 11-member executive committee was formed with well-known

dramatist-director Munin Bhuyan as president and Manik Ahmed, theatre activist of Nabik (North Lakhimpur) as secretary. The Forum decided to hold a drama festival at Duliajan in January on an all Assam basis.

Shyama Sangit Programme

Guwahati : The Rajdhani Kali Puja Committee of Dispur Complex organized a Shyama Sangit (songs of Goddess Kali) programme as part of their Kali Puja celebrations on November 4. The programme continued till late night in front of a packed audience. The inaugural function, which started with an opening song by Smt Gita Kunda and others, was followed by the grand Shyama Sangit programme. Besides a number of children, the list of singers included Sri Ranjit Nag, Deputy Secretary , Govt of Assam and Gour Gopal Banik, Lecturer of Gauhati Commerce College, who sang quite a few Shyama Sangits.

Aaaghon-album of Assamese songs

Here is an audio cassette Aaaghon containing eight songs presented beautifully, comprising of meaningful lyrics, with music synchronising traditional Assamese and western styles. The album is innovative, thus catering to the tastes of Assamese music lovers. The songs written and turned by Dipankar Talukdar, Diganta Kalita, Sadananda Gogoi, Fateh Ali Khan and Palash Gogoi- focus on various aspects of Assamese villages and villagers and their way of life and natural beauty of Assam. One of the songs has been jointly written by Dipankar Talukdar and Nomal Gogoi. The voices are rendered by noted singers like Sadananda Gogoi, Diganta Kalita, Moushumi Saharia, Saju and Kashmiri Saikia. The music of the album recorded at Audio Plus is arranged by Palash Gogoi and Abhijit (Bordoichila). 

Classical music concert at Kalakshetra

An impressive classical music concert was held on October 6 at Kalakshetra where vocal and instrumental items were presented before a distinguished gathering. Noted classical singer Sarat Chetia rendered Raga Abhogi, Bhairabi and Bhajan to the accompaniment of Arup Kumar Mishra on tabla, Benoy Das on harmonium, Anwar Khan and Khagen Goswami on tanpura. Solo tabla recital was presented by well known tabla player Sukumar Barthakur accompanied by Paresh Misra on harmonium and Anwar Khan on tanpura. 

Felicitation to Dr Bhabendranath Saikia

Guwahati : Dr BhabendraNath Saikia , who has completed 25 years of film making was felicitated at a pubic function held at Vivekananda Kendra on August 5 under the joint auspices of Assam Cine Art Society and Roopkar Cine Enterprise.

In reply to the felicitation , Dr Saikia dwelt at length his experience in the last 25 years mentioning specially about Sandhyarag his first film. While describing about his first hand experience he recalled the contributions of his associations cameraman Indukalpa Hazarika, assistant Gunasindhu Hazarika, sound recordist late Mrinal Guhathakurta and others. During the course of his interaction with audience he expressed that he would have been more happy if he could have presented a new film at the completion of his 25 years of film making. He opined that he is still hopeful of making a new film within the current year provided chance and health permit.

Shooting of Agnisakshi completed

Guwahati : The Shooting of JP Films (Duliajan) Assamese feature film Agnisakshi produced and directed by Jadumoni Dutta has been recently completed with camera work by Suman Duara in various scenic location around Duliajan, Digboi, Tirap and Tipong. The editing is going to be done soon at Chennai. The concept of the entertaining family picture is by Jadumoni Dutta - while story , screenplay and dialogue are written by Dr Dilip Kumar Barua , Zubeen Garg is in charge of music. Pallav Chutia is the executive producer . The roles in the film are enacted by Biju Phukan, Jatin Bora, Jerifa Wahid, Jayanta Das, Hiranya Deka, Atul Pachani, Arun Hazarika, Subhra Barua, Chetana Das, Nirupam Barua, Rituparna Phukan, Karunajyoti Saikia, Abhijit Dutta, Diptidayal Khound, Dhiraj Deka, Jadumoni Dutta and newcomers- Griish Anupam, Krishnakinkar and Rima. 

Rajlakshmi Dutta : budding Bharat Natyam dance

Guwahati : Rajlakshmi Dutta, a budding talent in classical dance recently enthralled and impressed the audience and the critics with her scintillating Bharat Natyam performance at a function held recently at Rabindra Bhawan .The occasion was her Arangetram (Ranga Prabesh) on the successful competition of her course in Bharat Natyam at Kalabhumi, Guwahati. Smt Hemoprabha Saika, state minister attended the function as chief guest. 

Mitar Tita Mitha to be made in Hindi

Guwahati : Mitar Tita Mitha a popular Assamese comedy serial, presently bring telecast every Saturday at 7-30 pm from Guwahati DD is going to be made in Hindi , under the banner the Film Club and Balaji Productions of Mumbai, according to Sutapa Sikdar, chief executive of Film Club. Mehtab Hussain , who has directed the Assamese serial besides playing the title role of Mita will direct the Hindi version also, wherein a good number of artistes from Mumbai will appear with the same of the local artistes .The Story of the serial is about the antics of Mita, an ordinary man with a humorous perspective.

Panbandi : to be telecast from July 13

Guwahati : Panbandi, an Assamese TV serial directed by noted director Abdul Majid is going to be telecast from July 13 from Guwahati Doordarshan every Saturday at 7-30 pm. The story of the serial, produced under the banner of Mir Production is written by Motleb Hussain Khan on the theme of militant activities in Assam. The title song , written by Dr Kalyani Mukherji, set to tunes by Shekhar Debroy and Banikona Ghosal was recently.

Aakrosh - a new telefilm

Guwahati : An Assamese telefilm Aakrosh is being made for Guwahati DD under the direction of Kamala Kanta Saharia who has also written the story, screenplay and dialogue . Askrosh is produced by Kero Young for Maa Tara Films and Mousumi Das. The music is by Mohan Lal Brahma. The cast included Ranjit Sutradhar, Chinmoy Kakati, Ramen Das, Bipuljyoti Sarma, Juriti Das and Sanjib Deka.

Welcoming the monsoon with music

Guwahati : To welcome the music with monsoon, Heritage Northeast organised a musical evening on Asharshya Prathama Divase, the first day of the month of Ashara at Williamson Magor auditorium at Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture in the city.

Noted singers Khagen Mahanta, Pulak Banerjee, classical singer Manashi Devi and Sarod player Tarun Kalita enthralled the audience with their variety performances- mainly based on monsoon and rain.

The programme was also organised to pay tribute to late Durga Chandra Banerjee, a pioneer broadcaster of Assamese songs from AIR, Guwahati -from its very inception in the year 1948. This writer is well connected with the Banerjee family of Panbazar for the last 30 years.

Eti German Sapon on June 30 at Rabindra Bhawan

Guwahati : Socio-cultural organisation Aarohi is going to present a play at Rabindra Bhawan titled Eti German Sapon on June 30. The theme of the play is novel and deals with some black chapters of the history of medical science. During the Second World War , the Nazis killed and held prisoners were victims of various types of experiments by the doctors including the injecting of poison into their bodies and observing the reactions. The off-beat play is written and directed by Bhaskar Thakuria . The musical score is by Bhaskar Pratim Dutta. The lead role of the neuro-surgeon will be played by noted actor Pranjal Saikia.

Jyotiprasad's musical compositions

Jyotiprasad Agarwalla is a name to reckon with in the fields of Assamese literature, art and culture. But he was most prolific and his creative best in his lyrical and musical compositions. A unique aesthetic sensibility is found in the creation of his songs. He had started the movement for the utilisation of Assamese folk tunes in modern Assamese compositions. This ushered in a new era in Assamese music. He tried to explore the possibilities of giving new life to the rich traditional music of Assam. But he was also a votary of Indian classical music. He was of the opinion that whether in music or any other field, the Assamese heritage is but a constituent of Indian heritage. He was also aware of the influence of modern western civilisation and culture on Indian life. 

Anandamohan Bhagawati to present Satriya dance

Anandamohan Bhagawati, the well known Satriya dance exponent is going to present a dance-programme Guru Sishya Chandadhwani at Rabindra Bhawan on June 23 at 6-15 pm. He will perform with his disciple, upcoming dancer, Dharitri Kalita. Sri Bhagawati, who is 71 years old, had performed Satriya dances in various places of the country with credit and earned respect.

Audio cassette : Anubhuti

Sri Kailash Nath Sarma has been silently contributing in the arena of Assamese lyrics besides his work in the literary field. He has a good number of lyrics to his credit , composed and sung by most of the AIR, Guwahati singers. His lyrical value is praiseworthy. It is heartening to note that eight of his songs are presently set in an audio cassette-aptly titled Anubhuti, produced by Mrinalini Devi for MD Productions. The songs are meaningfully turned musically, well composed and sung by well known singer Jyotimoy Debnath. The musical arrangement by well known arranger of Kolkata Dilip Roy has made the cassette a real treat for music lovers. All the songs are of different types, unlike the prevent Assamese modern songs today. A refreshing novelty is evident in the songs- Kabya Puran, Koran-Parhiso, Ganatantra and Obhotai Dia. The cassette is undoubtedly a valuable contribution towards Assamese music.

Avinsh - a bold venture

Credit goes to Shikhar on their bold venture in providing the city theatre audiences a taste of contemporary Marathi theatre by staging Avinash (a Marathi play by the celebrated author/ translator/Journalist Shanta Gokhale, which the author has herself translated into English) at Rabindra Bhawan recently.

Writer and stage-director Giyasuddin Ahmed deserves praise for making a complete success of his very first attempt to stage play in English. In recent years Giyasuddin has made his mark as a significant playwright and capable director of Assamese plays and his versatility is discovered in the play.

Hriday Kopowa Gaan nearing completion

Hriday Kopowa Gaan, a feature films produced by Saurabh Barua of Dibrugarh, under the banner of NRB Films Production is nearing completion under the direction of new director Balin Sarma, who also written the story and screenplay. The story mainly depicts the ideological difference between two friends in the backdrop of the present day society. As the title of the film suggests, the major highlight of the film is likely to be its music, scored by Jayanta Nath and playback by a galaxy of singers like Kumar Sanu, Vinod Rathod, Mahalaxmi, Zubeen Garg, Shanta Uzir, Swashati Phukan , Kalpana Patowari, Jayanta Nath and others. Ashiim Baishya has done the choreography. The lead roles in the film are played by Jatin Bora, Nipan Goswami, Purabi Sarma and Prestuti Parashar supported by Hiranya Deka, Hiranyna Das, Dinesh Das, Indira Barua, Prasanta Goswami and others.

Audio cassette Moi Ei Matir Lora

Through presently there is a proliferation of audio cassettes of Assamese songs in respect of quantity, it appears that quality cassettes in the true sense of the term are few. Moi Ei Matir Lora, produced by Anjan Nath which was recently released, can be a quality cassette. The songs have been rendered by none other then than Khagen Mahanta, Archana Mahanta, Shanta Uzir and the lesser known Sudhi Nath. The songs, penned by Keshab Mahanta, Hamanta Goswami and Hiren Goswami are very lyrical. The tunes contain a typical flavour of the soil and suitably synchronised. All the eight sons are appealing to the ear. Credit also goes to Partha Pratim Chowdhury for the impressive musical score. On the whole Moi Ei Matir Lora is refreshing and worth possessing for Assamese song lovers.

Usha Keen to team up with Bhupen for video

Guwahati : One platform , two virtuoso performances and a wonderful theme. Music aficionados in Assam are in for treat . Usha Uthup , a trendsetter in Indian pop music wishes to 'sing for the mighty Brahmaputra' with maestro Dr Bhupen Hazarika.

"I love Assam and its people who are known worldwide for their hospitality. I draw inspiration from the Brahmaputra , the only masculine river in the country. The river is so clam but its undercurrent strong . It is the lifeline of the people of Assam as well as the North East ". She was in the city to perform at a concert in aid of 'Shishu Sarathi, a centre for rehabilitation and training for multiple disability.

Dipannita Sharma - an Assamese girl in 16th December

16th December - a Hindi feature film, directed by Mani Ratnam, which has been recently released have in it, as the heroine of the film Miss Dipannita Sharma, an Assamese

damsel. Sources informed that, Dipannita is the second Assamese girl to enact a major role in a Bollywood film, who has already made a mark in modelling career. She was adjudged Femina Miss Photogenic during her College days, and is presently working in advertisements for the products of the famous German company Garnier. Recently, she had drawn the attention of advertising firms in Delhi, Pune and Banglaore also.

In the film 16th December, Dipannita was teamed as the heroine with well known male model Milind Soman, as hero. She has showed a wonderful performance in the film and we wish that she is appreciated by the national media.

"Guwahati-Guwahati" new Assamese TV serial

The shooting of 'Guwahati-Guwahati'- a new Assamese tele serial is going on in the city studio. The serial is made under the banner of Ma Mahamaya Cine Productions, and would be telecast soon on Guwahati DD, said the sources. The serial is being directed by Atul V Baishya, and covers stories of different facets of the city. It has in its lead cast Jayanta Bhagawati, Chetana Das, Atul Pachani, Akashitora, Dina Baishya, Kshirod Sarma besides many others.

"Champavati" : Assamese Telefilm

'Champavati' - an Assamese telefilm has been launched recently in the city. The telefilm has been made under the banner of SB Films and is directed by Habibur Rahman. The story of the film is based on Lakshminath Bezbaruah's story of the same name from his book 'Burhi Aair Sadhu'. The telefim has Beauty Das as the co-producer. Amola Kataki and Hari Deka has played the lead roles, supported by a number of veteran and new artistes. Music of the telefilm has been composed by Nurul Haque and Habibur Rahman.

"Laaz" - Assamese tele-serial

Shooting of 'Laaz' - a new Assamese tele-serial with twenty-six satirical episodes is going on. Produced under the banner of Navajeevan Chitram, the TV serial is directed by Hemanta Kumar Das, and has to its credit popular TV serials like 'Jaya Manika Ityadi' and other documentary and tele-films.

Stories of the serial are penned by different well-known Assamese writers including - Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia, Prabhat Goswami, Hitesh Deka, Riju Hazarika etc. Keshab Mahanta has written the lyrics while the music direction is done by Manas Hazarika. The lead star casts in the serials include - Bhagabat Pritam, Jayashree Devi, Guna Mahanta, Ananda Mohan Bhagawati, Pulin Nath, Gita Lahkar, Nabanita Deka and many others.

Jatin Goswami's performance at Khajuraho

Jatin Goswami, the celebrated Satriya Nrityaguru Nrityacharya has been invited to perform at the ensuing Khajuraho Dance Festival at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. It is to be mentioned that, this is for the first time that Assam's Satriya dance has found a place in this world famous dance festival - along with Bharat Natyam, Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi and Mohiniattam. Sri Goswami would perform on the stage on March 3, and would be assisted by Prabhakar Goswami, Kalpana Barua, Sagarika Goswami, Anita Sarma and others.

"Sugandhi Banani" new Assamese tele-serial

Sugandhi Banani a new Assamese tele-serial is on the air, being telecast in the Thursday slot on Guwahati Doordarshan. The serial is produced by Pabitra Teron and is directed by

Rajani Barman. Pijush Narayan Choudhury handles the camera, while Ananta Bezbaruah scores the music. The leading cast of the serial, includes Indra Bania, Atul Pasani, Amulya Kumar, Dwiban Baishya, Pulak Tamuli, Pankaj Dalani, Tuntun Barman, Diganta Das, Dipak Tamuli and Chinu Phukan, among many others.

A Flashback of Assamese Cinema 2001

2001, the year which has marked a sea change in the production and release of Assamese films, has shocked its audience with the difference in its themes and starcasts. Kids, teenagers, elders thronged in numbers in the theatre halls all over the State to witness the Assamese films, released and produced in the year gone-by.

It is to be mentioned that, Assamese films has never witnessed such a profusion of film-making before, the year 2001. Though early 70's and 80's were ostensibly called the 'Golden Years' of Assamese films with almost all the hit and award winning films, with serious and thought provoking themes, the year 2001, has seen plentiful ness of Assamese films with different themes of the present day situation, which are nothing but mimicry of the masala-oriented larger-than-life Hindi films, supposedly made for the entertainment of the people, with all the sundry elements viz, dances, songs, costumes, beautiful locations, actions, love, sorrow, sacrifice, emotion, heroes, heroines and Comedians, at large.

Statistically, eleven Assamese films has hit the theatre halls all over the State in the year gone-by. To begin with, 'Daag', the first released Assamese movie in February, directed by one of the most successful film-makers of Assam, Munin Baruah. The audio tracks of the film 'Daag' soared in popularity, while the film as a whole could not rise too high. 'Sesh Upahar' the second released Assamese film, in March, directed by Gopal Barthakur, talks of love and terrorism, but totally fails to entertain the public. April witnessed the release of 'Seuji Dharani Dhuniya', Rajib Bhattacharya's debut direction. This film projected the conflict of emotions between two communities in the State during the heydays of the Assam Agitation. This film has created controversy with some quarters issuing threats of dire consequences against the director, said the sources. 'Anya Ek Jatra' released in the month of July, marked an expression of disappointment among the cine-lovers. This film was the second directorial venture of the critically-acclaimed woman director, Manju Borah. Her first film as a director was 'Baibhav'. August marked the release of 'Bisforan' , directed by Kandarpa Saikia. This film, said the cine-lovers, has proved to be more drama than Cinema, lacking both in its temperament and response of the movie buffs halfway. Then came with a big bang, the year's most successful movie, 'Koina Mor Dhunia' , a directorial debut of Suman Haripriya. The film was a total comedy with laughs flowing from the whacky dialogues, combined with the really truthful acting of all the lead players. The film can be called a successful box-office hit of 2001. Director Brajen Bora's 'Garam Batah' released in October in several cine halls in Upper Assam, is yet to hit the theatres of Guwahati. November witnessed the release of stage-actor Toufique Rahman's 'Ei Morom Tomar Babey'. The story of the film was quite simple, but its development in the course of the film looked quite uneven, besides the lack of sound screenplay, made it a total failure in the box-office. However, in November, two other films were released - 'I Love You' and 'Nayak'. 'I Love You' directed by Ashok Kumar Bishaya has done mediocre business in other parts of the State, and was a strict no-no in Guwahati cine halls. However, 'Nayak' released in the same month has received a good response from the audience. The film was directed by Munin Baruah.

Thus, Assamese films in the year 2001, has changed a lot, and the most important point that came to our notice is that during the year gone-by, Jatin Bora, has come of age as an actor with the success of Daag, Koina Mor Dhunia, Ei Morom Tomar Babey and Nayak, where he played the lead roles and was projected as the first choice, acting in the six films, among the eleven films released in the year, 2001. He has created a niche for

himself. However, among other starcasts Barsha Rani Bishaya, Tapan Das, Jaya Seal, Jayanta Bhagawati, Prastuti Parashar and Hiranya Deka has also done good job.

In short, we can say that the year 2001 has witnessed a steadily growing healthy competition among the producers or directors, as the market for Assamese films is growing faster day by day.

Therefore, we think that in order to keep the ship afloat, the industry needs well-organised films to make it viable in the future. Rightly, so to say, the show must go on ...................

Seminar on Dr Bhupen Hazarika

Guwahati : A seminar was recently organised at Kuthari, Nagaon on the theme- Opaja Dinar Olog- Geetare kathara, Dr Bhupen Hazarika under the joint auspices of Songjoy of Kaliabor and Pradip Puthi Bharal. The seminar was conducted by Thaneswar Kumar, President Bhupendra Sangeet Samiti Writer Shekharjyoti Bhuyan, journalist Bidyut Kumar Bhuan, Rotimohan Nath, Balen Hazarika and Kabita Barua dwelt at length on various aspects of Hazarika's songs.

Suryastar Pine Dhavaman Kiyo ? a CD containing nine songs by Dr Hazarika, produced by Ranjit Bhattacharya and Kshitin Bhatta-charya was released at the function by Deven Bhuyan, the veteran actor of the Siraj. A dance based on Dr Hazarika song-Eikhon Kaliabor scripted by Kusum Bora was presented by Chayanika Kashyap. Ranjan Bezbarua presented two songs of Dr Hazarika in Sanskrit version. Nayanjyoti Saikia presented a musical feature on Dr Hazarika's life and philosophy. Noted historian Liladhar Bora planted a tree at Dr Hazarika's campus at Kuthari.

Azim Hazarika launches Apon Apon Lage

Guwahati : Film journalist Azim Hazarika has recently launched his first directorial venture with Apon Apon Lage- an Assamese feature film under the banner of Jaan Films. The realistic story of the film is written by director Hazarika -who has also written the script. A good number of veteran and popular artistes are going to appear in the film and the shooting is scheduled in December. The cast includes Nipon Goswami, Jatin Bora, Prastuti Parashar, Zerifa Wahid, Mridula Barua, Kashmiri Saikia Barua, Indira Barua, Hiranya Deka, Bhola Kakati, Akashitora, Bhagawat Pratim and others. The four music directors of the films are- Dilip Das, Monoranjan Gogoi, Sushil Lahan and Manas Rabin. The lyricists are Hemanta Dutta, Azim Hazarika and Babul Bora while the songs are being playbacked by Zubin Garg, Diganta Kalita, Nilima Khatun, Sandhya Menon, Rijuana Sultana Ahmed, Kasturika Buragohain, Swasati Phukan and Kashmiri Saikia. Suman Baruah is the operating cameraman.

Competitions of Bishnu Rabha's songs

Guwahati : Bishnu Rabha Divas was observed in a befitting manner with a day long programme at Champaknagar, Chaygaon, under the auspices of the Cobra Anchalik Club. The programme including flag hoisting by ex-Minister Dr Kamala Kalita , interdistrict competitions on songs of Bishnu Rabha, Lokageet and recitation and a cultural show in the evening. Indrajit Das, Pranjal Chowdhury and Abani Das won the first prizes in recitation, Rabha songs and Lokageet responsibility. All the prizes were donated by Dr KC Bharat of Chaygaon. The highlight of the cultural show in the evening was the presentation of songs by Mira Das of Guwahati .

Dance debut

Guwahati : Swati Chaliha, disciple of noted exponent and Sangeet Natak Akademi awarded Smt Indira PP Bora performed her Aarengtram on June 27, 2002 at Rabindra Bhawan, Guwahati after successful competition of her course in Bharata Natyam. The programme started with the traditional Aaregetram ceremoney where Guru Indira PP Borua presented the Junuka or Ghungroo to her disciple and showered blessings on her for a spectacular future in dance.  

North-East Baby Bol-an education serial

Guwahati : An educative quiz based serial titled North East Bol Baby Bol is being launched under the banner of Nim Films, PR Films and Ma Productions, directed by B Bharat, who had earlier directed the popular dance based serial Nupur. Dibyajuyoti Dolakakharia is the co-director of the serial which is the first of its kind. Children between the age group of four seven years and adults, above twenty years are entitled to take part in the serial. Interested persons can contact Nupur Dance and Music Institute , Rajghar 4th Byelane , Chandmari, Guwahati . 

The Telephone Calls : a telefilm

Guwahati : The Telephone calls , a telefilm produced and directed by Rajen Rajkhowa as a commissioned programme for the Programme Production Centre of Doordarshan, has recently been completed. The two-part telefilm has a story based on the common problems revolving around a telephone. This 50 minutes venture has a satirical theme. This is a story of a man who gets a telephone connection, after running from pillar to post. But the phone brings in with it more problems than solutions. Everybody takes advantage of this most economic and modern communication device. The man gets disgusted and when he wants this phone to be taken back, his daughter gets kidnapped by mistake. It is the telephone which finally helps to get his daughter back.

Documentary on Jyotiprasad

Guwahati : A delegation of the All Assam Jyotiprasad Agarwala Birth Centenary committee called on the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi recently.

The delegation submitted a memorandum urging him to initiate steps for bringing at the VDO and CD cassettes of the films produced by Jyotiprasad Agarwala. The boy father stressed the need to produce a documentary film on him.

"Mitalir Sonmoni"- Audio Track 

'Mitalir Sonmoni'- the newly released Assamese album of well-known singer, Mitali Chowdhury, has received tremendous response from the public. The music album which has been released this Bihu, has won the hearts of listeners with its appealing tunes recorded by Rupam Talukdar and Manavjyoti Das.

Mitali - a familiar name in the world of modern songs has earned fame as a great singer, and has to her credit many Assamese songs, and Hindi songs too, sung under noted music directors of Bollywood like - Nadeem Shravan, Naushad, Anu Malik, Jatin Lalit etc. However, with the release of 'Mitalir Sonmoni' - Mitali Chowdhury has reappeared in the North East after a long break and has received a still more better response from the public. Her new released audio cassette contains some of her popular songs with musical scores by J.P. Das, Jitu-Tapan, Jyotirmoy Debnath and Manas Robin. 

"Major Sahab" - Assamese TV serial  

'Major Sahab'- a new Assamese TV serial, has recently completed its 13th episode shooting at various locations. Film director, Charu Kamal Hazarika, has directed the serial and Pavan Borbora, produced it. Mahindra Barthakur, the noted dramatist -writer is responsible for the story, screenplay and dialogues of the serial. The entire cast of the serial includes experienced stars like - Prastuti Parashar, Toufique Rahman, Madhurima Kakoti, Sadhan Hazarika, Jayanta Das, Prabal Barthakur, Mayuri Bharali, Saurav Hazarika and many others. The editing has been done by Pranjal Thakur at Nest Video Editing (Pvt.) Limited. However, after its completion, the serial would soon be telecast on Guwahati DD. 

"Rudali" - new Assamese album

'Rudali' - a new Assamese album with a difference in its kind, has been directed by Ranjan Kumar Bhattacharya. Sources informed that, most of the lyrics of the album has also been penned by him. The eight-track album 'Rudali' has beautiful melodies with the blend of tunes of Bihugeet, Bangeet, Bhatiali and pop. Voices for the songs are lent by veteran singers Khagen Mahanta, Archana Mahanta, Jitul Sonowal, Anupam Saikia, Dibakar Das and Sunayana Goswami. Music Director Ranjan Kumar Bhattacharya has done a great job by mixing several tunes to the music of the album, so we hope for the best of the audio track.

"Duhatate"- Audio cassette

'Duhatate'- a new Assamese audio cassette with seven old evergreen Assamese film numbers in a version recording with singers Samson and Rima Kropi, has been released recently. The audio cassette 'Duhatate' is produced by Rajiv Kro and Surabhi Kropi under the banner of Serdihun Music. Sources informed that, Samson, who is also an established singer has arranged the music of the track. The album include songs from the films like 'Era Bator Sur', 'Pratidhwani', 'Bhagya', 'Toramai', 'Mon Prajapati' and 'Srimati Mahimamoyee'.

"Akou Hiyaman"- Audio Album of Zubeen 

'Akou Hiyaman' - is an audio album of modern songs with solo performances by singing superstar Zubeen Garg. Produced under the banner of NK Productions, the music of the album is arranged by Diganta Sarma, while, lyrics and tunes of the songs are by Diganta Kalita, Mrinal Kanti Medhi, Manas Rabin and Baran. Sources informed that, the album 'Akou Hiyaman' is slated for release on March 1 next. We wish that the new album of Zubeen receives a tremendous response from the music lovers of Assam, specially the Zubeen fans.

"Tumiye Mor Kalpanare" - likely to be released

'Tumiye Mor Kalpanare' - another Assamese feature film is awaiting for its soon release in the theatre halls. Produced by Akhtar Hussain and Sushmita Mazumdar, the film is made under the banner of Ramdhenu Films', and is directed by Bipul Kumar Barua. Centering around a family story, the film is said to be a romantic comedy, informed the sources. However, the story, screenplay and dialogue of the film is penned by the director Bipul Kumar Barua, himself. Leading cast in the film include, among others - Saurav Hazarika, Jumoni Neog, Nipon Goswami, Abdul Majid, Upakul Bordoloi, Kashmiri Saikia Barua, Lipika Bora Medhi, Jayanta Bhagawati, Chetana Das and Hiranya Deka. Nayanmoni Barua and Jayanta Das are responsible for the musical score of the film.

No doubt, the performances of the stars would be good, as many of them are quite

experienced, but we hope that the film, as a whole, also receives a positive response from the public.

Children's film festival from 1st November

Anuradha cinema is organizing a children's film festival during Diwali from November 1 to 7, 2002 where different famous children's motives in English from Hollywood will be screened. The films are as follows- Dr Dolittle part I and II, Home Alone part II and III, Dunston Checks In, Jingle All The Way and Ice Age.

Dr Dolittle, starring Eddie Murphy is the story of a talented physician who has a special talent and ability to communicate with animals. Home Alone 2 Lost in New York, starring the famous child star Macaulay Culkin, is about a child who accidentally separated from his parents during a holiday trip and the hilarious way he has to fend for himself in New York city. Dunston Checks In starring Jason Alexander, Faye Dunaway, Eric Lloyd and others is about a young boy and his newly found friend , a fiesty orangutan, who wreak comic havoc on an elegant New York hotel run by the youngster's father. Jingali All The way starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Phil Hartman etc in about a Christmas gift which turns to be the most sought after toy in the country.

Apurba Sarma felicitated

Assam Cine Art Society recently felicitated Sri Apurba Sarma, noted writer, film critic and national winner for this year for his book Asamiya Chalachitra Saa-Pohar.

Delivering a lecture, Sarma said language was the main component of a good film. He Pointed out that without proper application of words, a piece of writing cannot be good literature. The command over language is a must for a good film, he added. He emphisised on the role of film societies in attracting more viewers of Assamese films. He also said that Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia encouraged him in the field of film criticism. 

TV serial based on Nilima Dutta's Story

Akashbonti, an Assamese TV serial is being made under the banner of Partha Movies, directed by Bhaskar Kiron, an upcoming director. He has also written the screenplay and dialogue of the story based on eminent writer late Nilima Dutta's wellread novel of the same name, written against the backdrop of national integration and communal harmony. The artistes include Madhusmita Saikia, Bhaskar Kiron, Chandan Lekharu, Indrani Chetia, Shrutidhara Chakravarty, Indrani Mahanta and Swapna Saikia. The music is provided by Bibhuranjan Choudhury. 

Maghat Mamonir Biya premiered at Sivasagar

The premiere show of Lakshmi Narayan Films- latest offering Maghat Mamonir Biya produced by Ashok Kumar Bishaya (Raja) and Happymoni Bishaya and directed by Chandan Mudoi was held at Lakshmi Talkies, Sivasagar amidst much enthusiasm . Smt Gayatri Barua, Deputy Commissioner, while addressing the gathering as chief guest said that she is a keen Assamese filmgoer and appreciated the producers for holding the premiere show at a place like Sivasagar- an embodiment of Assam's religion, tradition and culture. She wished the producer, director and artistes of the film all success. Earlier, the artistes of Dikhowpuria Sanmilita Yuvak Sangha presented Bihu. The film was simultaneously released on October 10 at Lakshmi Talkies, Sivasagar, Aditi- Nagaon and Anwar- Tezpur, where it is running to packed houses till the filing of this report.

Artistes pay musical tribute to Jayanta Hazarika

About 25 well-known and upcoming singers paid musical tributes to legendary singer-composer Jayanta Hazarika at a function held at Rabindra Bhawan on the occasion of the 25th death anniversary of the artist. The function, held under the auspices of local cultural organization 'Swar'- was addressed by celebrated personalities like Keshav Mahanta, Nirmal Prabha Bardoloi, Birendranath Dutta, Ratna Ojah and Hemanta Dutta. They recalled their association with Jayanta and dwelt at length on his creations as s singer, composer and instrumentalist.

Dr Hazarika's songs in Lucknow

Gour Gopal Banik , lecturer of Gauhati Commerce College, sang songs of Dr Bhupen Hazarika at a Durga Puja celebration in Lucknow on the night of Mahaashtami on October 13. The function was organized by the Vivekananda Samiti, Indira Nagar, Lucknow at Munsipulia. Since the audience, composed of thousands of people, mostly belonged to the Bengali community, Sri Banik sang the songs in their Bengali version. The gathering was overwhelmed when he sang Bistirno dupare, Oshokho manasher, Hahakar shuneo Nihshobde nirobe , O Ganga tumi, O Ganga boichho keno... He was accompanied in music by the famous "Melody Orchestra" of Lucknow.

Playwright honoured

Smt Runu Goswami of Japorigog, Guwahati was honoured as the director and production chairman for her self directed and produced children's drama Seuj Biplab organized by the Utkal Yuva Sanskrutik Sangha in the 10th All India Multi-Lingual Drama Competition, held at Calcutta, Orissa from 13th September to 20th September. Smt Goswami also wrote the script.

Konikar Ramdhenu's world premiere

Guwahati : Noted filmmaker Janhu Barua's latest film Konikar Ramdhenui (Ride on the Rainbow) has been invited to have is world premiere at the forthcoming prestigious Fukuoka International Film Festival to be held in Fukuoka, Japan, in September, 2002.  

Kalpana Lajmi's new film : Kyon

Guwahati : After Daman, Kalpana Lajmi has launched her new film Kyon under the banner of Excel Visions and concept, produced by Sadananda Kundar. Kalpana Lajmi, besides directing the film has penned the story and screenplay . The story is about some reckless youths of today belonging to high society and their parents. The lead character of the film is an honest and dedicated police officer who is unhappy in his personal life. The character is played by upcoming popular actor Rahul Dev. Interestingly , most of the artists and technicians of the film are new. The young characters are portrayed by newcomers- Chaitanya Choudhury, Amit Jain, Sachit Patel, Sonobar Kabir and Pratiksha Patil. The role of the parents are played by Mangal Dhillon, Kunika Lal, Anita Konwal, Javed Khan, Smita Jayakar, Soni Razdan, Ashok Beniwar, Anju Mahendru and Benjamin Gilani.

Major Sahab to be telecast

Major Sahab an Assamese TV serial produced under the banner of BB Productions is going to be telecast from July 14 on Guwahati DD every Sunday evening at 6-30 pm. The serial is directed by Charu Kamal Hazarika while Bibi Devi Barbarua is the producer- she has also written the title the song. The story, screenplay and dialogue are written by Mahendra Barthakur . The story centres round the joys and sorrows of a retired Major's family . The cast includes Biju Phukan , Taufiq Rahman, Prastuti Parashar, Sadhan Hazarika, Jayanta Das, Mayuri Bharali, Madhurima Kakati, Jyoti Bhuyan, Dibyajyoti Das, Prabal Barthakur , Saurabh Hazarika , Jonali Devi, Babul Kakati, Pankaj Das and child artistes Sukanya and Siddhanta. The camera work has been done by Dibakar Gogoi.

Malaya Goswami Mohimamoyee

New director Anjan Kalita has directed a two-episode serial Mohimamoyee based on the widely read popular humorous story by Rasaraj-Lakhiminath Bezbarua. While national award winning Malaya Goswami has appeared in the tittle role , another major role is played by popular comedian Hiranaya Deka . The TV serial was produced by Angshuman Sarma. Meanwhile Goswami has also started in Jahnu Barua's Konikar Ramdhenu and Dilak Bhuyan's Ipar-Sipar. In Ipar-Sipar , Malaya plays the role of a Devdasi . Malaya is also planning to direct one of Jyotiprasad's plays soon.

Mitha Mitha Laganat nearing completion

Tomba Movies Mitha Mitha Laganat, an Assamese feature film jointly directed by new directors Achyut Kumar Bhagawati and Sushanta Mazindar Barua is progressing with shooting near completion. The screenplay is by Anjan Kalita while the camera is handled by Siddhartha Barua. Jini Mohalia is directing the choreography for the romantic social film. A galaxy of film stars are appearing in the film which include Barsharani Bishaya , Jatin Bora , Bishnu Kharghoria, Nipon Goswami , Guna Mahanta, Jayanta Das, Bornali Pujari and Lipika Bora Medhi supported by Sushanta , Paresh Khound, Kinaram Das and others. The film is jointly produced by Shunta Mazindar Barua and Sudipta Mazindar Barua.

ASSAM State Film policy

Sri Dayaram Rajbongshi , Secretary of Jyoti Chitrabon (Film Studio) Society in the letter issued to the Assamese film producers-directors has stated that those who apply for return of Amusement tax, should avail 75 per cent facilities at the studio. It is found that some producers-director never avail such opportunities but ultimately apply and put pressure for the grants. The facilities presently available in Jyoti Chitrabon studio are- 16 mm camera (two sets) with expert technicians, shooting materials with other facilities on a 'package' or 'daily' basis, table cutter, synchrometer with Steinbak editing machine , etc.

Five star films' Hiya launched

Another entertaining romantic social film Hiya has been recently launched under the banner of Five Star Films of Amguri , Sivasagar . The film is being directed by Dipak Bhuyan , who had made Deutar Biya. Meanwhile Bhuyan is also directing another film Ipar-Sipar , based on the traditional Kamrupi puja. The artists so far signed are Nipon Goswami , Indra Bania ,Jayanta Bhagawati , Ananya Panchani . Benu Neog , who creditably assisted in camera in several Assamese films is operating independently for Hiya.

Print of Arpan getting ready

The print of Assamese film Arpan is getting ready according to the producers Rubul Das and Dipjyoti Bora. Krishna Phukan has written the story , screenplay besides directing the film. Noted Hindi film actor Anil Dhawan has played an important role in the film. Others in the cast are Barsharani Bishaya , Amit Shroff, Nipon Goswami, Bina Baruwati , Hiranya Deka, Ananya Pachani, Chetana Das and Kaku Goswami. Ashim Bishya had done the choreography while the musical score is by Jitumani Kalita . Outdoor shooting and song picturisation of Arpan was partially done in Mumbai.

New recording studio at Nagaon

Dynasty Concert, a new recording studio has been recently set up at Nagaon by a local enterprising youth- Debananda Bora . The digital studio with 24-track modern technique , a long felt need , will cater to the needs of singers and composers from middle Assam like Nagaon , Karbi Anglong and Sonitpur .A good member of audio cassettes have already been recorded at the studio under the expert supervision of Diganta Sarma and Chinmoy Das.

" Surjar Prabhati Kiron"

'Surjar Prabhati Kiron' - another Assamese feature film has recently completed its shooting at various locations in Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, Lakhimpur and Arunachal Pradesh. The film is directed and produced by the same person, Mrinal Kumar Saikia.

Mihirjyoti Barua, a popular actor of mobile theatre is in the lead role of the film, and he is supported by Golap Dutta, while Madhusmita Saikia, Pradip Mahanta, Rabin Deka, Rimlim Barua, newcomer Swagata Barua and many others, comprises the rest of the cast.

Santanu Mahanta and Anil Kalita are responsible for the music direction and lyrics of the film. Zubeen Garg, Sandhya Menon and Saju have lent their voices for the audio track. It has been informed that, though the shooting of the film has been completed, the editing is yet to be done by Kaju in Chennai. K Bhabani Shankar of Hyderabad is in charge of cinematography of the film, informed the sources.

Nilakshi Borgohain's stories

Mamoni Raisom Goswami (Dr Indira Goswami) , Jnanpith Sahitya Akaddemi winner recently released streets of fear, a collection of stories by Nilakshi Borgohain at the India Habitat Centre , New Delhi . At the well at tended book reading session of Dr Goswami's An Unfinished Autobiography, she was full of praise for the new author and blessed her with words of encouragement. About the writer's first book Dr Goswami said "Nilakshi's streets of fear is an impressive collection of stories. These stories have neatly devised warp-up endings and the characterization within the necessary spatial discipline is effective . They are both narrative mood pieces. The plot lines are original and ingenious . The author's style is poetic , languorous and idiomatic. It has been very rewarding to encounter her work, which has been written with great sensitivity . My blessing for this upcoming author whose works holds great promise. "Smt Renu Gulati read a passage from the book that eagerness to read the book , which is an inspirational journey through love and life , desires and longings, rancour and resentments , reflecting truths of life.

Assamese Youth enters Bollybood

Ramen Barman , an upcoming Assamese actor is playing the hero in a forthcoming Hindi movie- Dil Se Miley Dil, directed by Salim Aziz (Mumbai)under the banner of creative flims. Ramen is teamed against newcomer-heroine Namita Shetty . Major role in the film are played by Shakti Kapoor , Raja Murad and Alok Nath.

Ramen a resident of Hengerabari , Guwahati did his graduation from Kamrup College of Chamata and then a one year training course in acting at the school of drama , Assam. He has also directed and acted in TV documentaries and telefilms in Guwahati DD, which include telefilm Premar Antim Chabi and musical serial Sangeet Sagar . He left for Mumbai two years back.

Goon Goon Gane Gane releasing on May 24

Goon Goon Gane Gane , an Assamese feature film directed by noted directed Bidyut Chakravarty under the banner of Prastuti Films of Tezpur is releasing on 24th May at three theatres of Tezpur . Bidyut Award winning Raag Birag and Nishidha Nodi to his credit . Both the films had intellectual appeal and were highly appreciated by the critics. Bidyut's Goon Goon Gane Gane is a romantic musical film with a social theme. Commercial ingredients have been added to a simple love story to make it acceptable to all. The story is written by Shantanu Mahanta with screenplay and dialogues by late Amulya Kakati . Probably this was the last script written by Amulya Kakati.

Kamal Rashid Ahmed has scored the musical and the audio cassette of the film which was released recently and has been well received by the listeners. Produced by Santanu Mahanta and Raj Kakati , the film has a good number of popular artistes like Tapan Das , Hadi Alam Bora , Mridula Baruah , Prastuti Parashar and Zerifa Wahid. Mrinal Kanti Das is the cinematographer while A Srikar Prasad is the editor . There is high expectation among the viewers of Assamese films from Bidyut Chakravarty who is quality film maker.

Public response of "Zakham"

'Zakham' this year's third released Assamese film, which is still going on in several theatres of Guwahati, has received a mediocre response from the cine-goers, and was not a disappointing one. The young director, Munna Ahmed, has made a sincere effort to project the film, but a speedy progress might have helped the film in enhancing the overall response from the movie lovers.

Produced by Alok Sharma, and made under the banner of Ankan Films, the film has a simple story and is primarily based against rural settings, with a triangular love story. No doubt, the director has done a great job, but his sticking to the main story till the end without carrying unnecessary intrusions, even shows his capability of doing a much finer job.

The film is centered around a family and the separation of two brothers following conspiratorial acts by bad elements and their re-union after lots of dramatic situations. Raj Sharma, who played the lead role has worked hard and with sincerity, no doubt, but has a long way to go before creating that appealing silver screen presence to captivate the audience. Reba Phukan, who also played an important role in the film, as 'Baasanti' has done a great job, with her powerful performance that had evoked emotions in the hearts of the audience, specially the womenfolk. The child artiste, Nandita Bishaya has also shown lots of potential for the future.

It is to be mentioned that, the film has all the masalas of a society, and this has helped the film in evoking a good response in the market. Thus, 'Zakham', with its rural settings, is a decent endeavour of the director, and we hope that, it receive a still more

better response from the public, in its future shows.

"Jonaki Mon" released

'Jonaki Mon' - the fourth Assamese feature film to be released this year has scheduled its releasing date on March 22. Produced by Hiranya Kumar Rajkhowa, under the banner of Rajkhowa Media Group, the film, 'Jonaki Mon' has a story which is complicated with certain romantic thrilling elements, built around a family feud. Sources informed that, the film was censored on March 11, and would be released at Anuradha and Meghdoot cinema theatres in Guwahati. The story, screenplay and dialogues of the film are written by Jivraj Burman, a Mumbai-based film journalist from Assam.

"Kanyadaan" to be released on Mar. 29

'Kanyadaan' - another Assamese feature film is on its way to be released at cinema halls in Nagaon, Dhemaji and North Lakhimpur, on March 29. The film is directed by noted film-maker Munin Barua, and is produced by CS Narayan and Swaraj Das, under the banner of Sangam Pictures (Productions). Story, screenplay and dialogues of the film are written by Munin Barua. Sources informed that, the story of the film covers the joys and sorrows, hopes and despair, emotional conflicts and togetherness of a joint middle-class family. The film's cast includes - Jatin Bora, Arun Nath, Hadi Alam Bora, Jayanta Das, Hiranya Deka, Bhaskar Bora, Jagadish Bhuyan, Purabi Sharma, Madhurima Choudhury, Mridula Barua, Tapan Das and debutante Rituparna Katoki.

"Mone Bisare Tomak" : nearing completion

'Mone Bisare Tomak' - a new Assamese feature film is progressing and has marched towards the completion of its shooting. The film is a debut venture of Kishore Barua, the director of the film. He has also penned the story, screenplay and dialogues of the film. Lyrics and music direction has also been done by him.

Sources informed that, the film is a romantic musical one with Rabi Sarma, the upcoming popular actor, playing the lead role of the hero of the film. Others in the cast include - Aimee Barua, Nipon Goswami, Hiranya Deka, Bhola Kakati, Hiranya Das, newcomer Joy Kashyap and many others. The audio track of the film has received a positive response from the mass, as the audio cassette of the film was released some days ago. Songs of the film are sung by Zubeen Garg, Tarali Sarma, Mitali Chowdhury, Shanta Uzir, Vidyasagar, Palash Gogoi and Kashmiri Saikia. The film is produced under the banner of Shivam Associates of Upper Assam, informed the sources.

"Sati Radhika" - new Assamese film

'Sati Radhika' - a new Assamese film is the debut directorial venture of Anjali Das, who has herself written the screenplay and songs for the film. The film is made under the banner of Anjali Films of Sivasagar, and is presently in the initial stage of its making. The screenplay of the film is based on the legendary story of Sati Radhika, named by Srimanta Sankardev. Radhika was a devotee of Sri Sankardev and has fought virtually alone against a flood that occurred in Bordowa 550 years ago. The role of Sri Sankardev would be played by Nipon Goswami and Rupanjali Konwar would play the role of Sati Radhika. Other lead casts include Abdul Masjid, Indra Bania, Punya Das and Giasuddin Ahmed. Dr. Bhupen Hazarika after a long break has scored the music and sung for the film. Dipak Bhuyan, the noted film and theatre personality is the adviser and art director of the film.

Anyway, director Anjali Das has done an appreciable effort in bringing this little known

story to the screen. So, we hope for the best of the film.

"Jonaki Mon" - likely to release on Mar. 22

After the completion of its shooting, the new Assamese film - 'Jonaki Mon' is now ready for its grand release on March 22, at different theatre halls of the city. 'Jonaki Mon' is a Rajkhowa Media Group's maiden venture produced by Sri H K Rajkhowa. Besides Jyoti Chitrabon Studio of the city, the film is also done in studios of Chennai and Mumbai.

The story of the film is set against the backdrop of a family feud and reflects how love triumphs over evil. Lead cast in the film includes - Vibhas Chakravarty and Jayashree Goswami, and apart from them are Hiranya Das, Ruprekha Devi, Dinesh Das and Vidya Rao. Zubeen Garg is responsible for the music direction of the film, while the editing has been done by Bijoy Chowdhury. Manish Bhatt of Mumbai has handled the camera.

This bold step by Rajkhowa Media Group, of producing a film like this, will go a long way in generating revenue as also in promoting the Studio as one of the best in the eastern region. So, let's hope for the best of the film.

"Kokadeutar Ghar Jonwai"

'Kokadeutar Ghar Jonwai' - probably the second directorial venture of Suman Haripriya has been recently completed. After the commercial success of her first film 'Koina Mor Dhunia' , Suman has now come with a new venture which is full of romantic elements. The script of the film is penned by Suman herself, while the story and dialogues are by executive producer of the film, Ranjit Chakravarty. The audio track of the film witnesses four composers - Prabhat Sarma, Bijuprabha, Monti Baishya and Manas Rabin. Songs are playbacked by Zubeen Garg, Jitul Sonowal, Tarali Sarma, Manas Rabin and Babul Chetia. The entire star cast of the film includes - Rabi Sarma, Gitawali, Nipon Goswami, Atul Pachani, Bina Baruati, Niloy Gupta, Prerana Sarma.

"Zakham" - ready for release

'Zakham'- the new Assamese feature film produced by Alaka Sharma and directed by Munna Ahmed is to be released on 15th of March, at four cinema houses of the city, informed the film sources.

Bhupen Uzir has scored the music of the film, while the voices for the songs are lent by Zubeen Garg, Roop Kumar Rathod of Mumbai, Swashati Phukan, Malabika Bora, Shanta Uzir, Babul Supriyo of Mumbai and Dilip Nath. The story, screenplay and dialogues are penned by Pabitra Kumar Deka, Jatin Nath is the cameraman, while Manas Adhikari is responsible for the editing of the film. The starcast of the film includes - Prastuti Parashar, Mridula Barua, Akashitora, Raj Sharma, Dinesh Bishaya, Jayashree Goswami, Dwijendra Mohan Sarma, Atul Pachani, Reba Phukan and Nipon Goswami.

Public response of " Prem Aru Prem"

'Prem Aru Prem' the year's second released Assamese film has turned out to be a damper, with a lukewarm response from the public. Directed by Sambhu Gupta, the film fails to entertain the audience with its mediocre lines of dialogue, poor camera work, irritatingly long shots, suppression of characters, clumsy dance sequences and ignored make-up. But, apart from all these things, the acting performances of all the casts were quite convincing. Jatin Bora, who played the lead role in the film has again proved his potentiality. Niloy Gupta, as the paralysed footballer in the film, has also worked hard,

Prastuti's performances were also quite good.

The music of the film seems to be quite commonplace with Zubeen Garg as the music director, and the sound recording is quite impressive. But, KG Praveen from Chennai, who had handled the camera work, has proved the fact that the state industry has no dearth of talents and so hunting for outsiders for a sound job would be just foolish.

Thus, with so many demerits in the film, one can never hope for a better response of the audience, though its different that, we'll always wish the best to the entire film unit for a better venture in future.

"Prem Aru Prem " released

Prem Aru Prem, an Assamese feature film got released at four cinema houses in the city, on February 8. The film which is directed by Sambhu Gupta, is made under the banner of Anisha Films'. Story, screenplay and dialogue of the film are also penned by the director Sambhu Gupta. Zubeen Garg, is responsible for the music direction, however, he has also appeared as a guest artiste in the film. The lead cast includes Nipon Goswami, Vidya Rao, Girish Chowdhury, Jatin Bora, Prastuti Parashar, Chetana Das and others. Art direction of the film is by Nuruddin Ahmed and choreography by Jini Moholia, Ramanna and Krishnai from Chennai. A group of foreign dancers has also taken part in the dance sequences of the film.

Audio track of "Jibon Nadir Duti Paar" hits the stands

The audio album, of the under-production Assamese feature film Jibon Nadir Duti Paar, which was released recently by the noted journalist, singer and lyricist Apurba Kumar Das, has hit the stands, said the sources, with the increasing numbers of sale of the album. The film which is directed by Munna Ahmed and produced by Sabita Bora under the banner of JRP Films, has Zubeen Garg as the music director. The album has seven tracks including the title song. However, besides Zubeen, singers like Mahalaxmi, Prem, Arnab, Jonki, Papori and Kashmiri have also rendered their voices to the songs of the film. Probably, this is the third directorial venture of Munna Ahmed, after Jon Jwaley Kapalat and Zakham that is stated to be released next March.

"Mitha Mitha Laganat" - new Assamese film

'Mitha Mitha Laganat' another new Assamese feature film, is a joint production of Sushanta and Sudipto Mazinder Baruah, under the banner of Tomba Movies of Duliajan. Achyut Kumar Bhagawati and Sushanta Mazinder Baruah will jointly direct the film. The story of the film written by Abhas Bikiron Bardoloi, and Hemanta Dutta is responsible for story expansion, screenplay and dialogue. Ashim Baishya will be the choreographer. Locations of the film has already been selected in Roing, Manabhum, Jorhat and Duliajan. Sources informed that, the shooting of the film is scheduled from March 15, 2002 under cinematographer Siddhartha Baruah.

"Goon Goon Gaane Gaane" ready for release

Following the completion of the editing work, the Bidyut Chakraborty directed film 'Goon Goon Gaane Gaane', is ready for its grand release. The film produced by Santanu Mahanta and Raj Kakoty is made under the banner of Prastuti Films. The film will be an out-and-out commercial film with full of dramatical and masala elements. Amulya Kakati is responsible for the screenplay and dialogue of the film, while Mrinal Kanti Das is the cinematographer, Jini Moholia is the choreographer, and the costumes are by Munmi Chakraborty. The film has four artistes at the lead roles namely- Prastuti Parashar, Dibyajyoti Das, Zerifa Wahed and debutant Kapil Bora. Kamal Rashid Ahmed is the music

director of the film, while, the background score is by Aniruddha Barua.

Public response to this year's first Assamese film

"Eman Morom Kiyo Lagey"

The first Assamese movie of this year 2002, 'Eman Morom Kiyo Lagey', has evoked a positive response from the audience. Far away from many other contemporary silver screen endeavours, this film, has entertained its viewers with its plausible storyline, beautiful locations, pleasant melodious music, appropriate use of background score and careful casting. The film has Ravi Sharma as the leading actor with Luna Lahkar as his co-star. Ravi Sharma in the film has uplifted himself both as a hero and an actor. Luna has also done a good job. However, apart from Ravi and Luna, other starcasts in the film include - Arun Nath, Dulal Roy, Nayan Prasad and Hiranya Deka. The film is a directorial debut of Alak Nath, Manoj Sharma is the music director, Tahira Sultana, the designer of costumes and Anup Hazarika is responsible for the art direction of the film.

'Eman Morom Kiyo Lagey' released

'Eman Moro Kiyo Lagey' - is the first released Assamese feature film in this year, 2002. The film released on January 18, is being displayed in three theatre halls in Guwahati besides one in Tezpur. Directed by the theatre personality, Alok Nath, the film centres round a simple love story between a boy from the plains and a girl from the hills. This is however, the debut film for Alok Nath as a film director. The story, screenplay and dialogue of the film has been penned by Pankaj Jyoti Bhuyan, and Ashim Baishya is responsible for choreography. The lead artistes in the film include - Ravi Sharma, Luna Lahkar, Arun Nath, Mridula Baruah, Sanjeeb Hazarika, Nayan Prasad, Hiranya Deka, Dulal Roy, Jaba Goswami, Papori Hazarika and Geeti Borah, among others. The film made under the banner of Dristanta Movies is produced by Momi Alok Nath.

Audio track of Kanyadaan released

The audio album of the Assamese film "Kanyadaan" which was released by Girish Choudhury, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award winner, here recently, has hit the stands. This is the eighth Assamese film directed by renowned director Munin Baruah, and the music for the film is directed by the singing star, Zubeen Garg. The album has six tracks including the title music. Voices for the songs are rendered by Saswati, Mahalaxmi, Jonki, Mitali, Nirmali, Kalpana, Manas Rabin besides Zubeen himself. Sources said that, the album has already received a good response from the public with songs like Ul guthibo janene najane, becoming major attractions.

"Aatmo-Ahankar" : TV serial

Aatmo-Ahankar, a new Assamese television serial has been completed recently under the direction of Asif Iqbal. It may be mentioned here that, Asif has a number of popular TV serials to his credit, including Jowai, Sadhu Sadhu Khai Kathalar Badu and programmes like Chitra Manjari and Chitra Jyoti. The serial Aatmo-Ahankar, is produced by Tapan Medhi, under the banner of Medhi Films Productions, and includes thirteen episodes. Paresh Barua has done the photography, and the serial includes in its lead cast - Malaya Goswami, Upakul Bordoloi, Tapan Medhi, Madhusmita Saikia and Dayal Krishna Nath. Prabhat Goswami, Naren Patgiri and late Ramesh Sarma are responsible for the stories of the serial. The serial is slated to be telecast in the last part of the current month, said the sources.

Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Complex

The Ganasilpi Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Complex, would be set up soon under the aegis of Srimanta Kala Niketan of Chamata, in Nalbari district. In connection with the proposed complex, a master plan has been formed, which shows an estimation of Rs. 33 crore. The complex would however, contain a mini cinema house, an institute of fine arts, open-air stage, art gallery, library etc. A music college has already been started at the project campus, informed the sources.

Dilip Choudhury- the pre-eminent singer personified

Splendid fusions of folks, classical and western elements have constituted the soulful melodies, and this has contributed to hoist Assamese music to its distinctive stature.

To talk about the different gifted cluster of musical personalities of Assam, we cannot oversee the contributions made by the distinguished singer and composer, Dilip Choudhury, who stands out for his ingenuity in infusing a rare brand of vibrant appeal to his tunes and compositions.

Dilip Choudhury, the man among few music personalities, was devoted specifically to the propagation and preservation of Jyoti Sangeet, lending his voice mostly in the recordings of the songs of Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla. Working as a production assistant for over two decades at 'Jyoti Bharati', in Tezpur, he has contributed significantly in the arrangement of notations of Jyoti Prasad's songs published under the title of "Xur Jeuti".

His inborn ear for music has turned him to be one of the most melodious person in Assam. He was adjudged the best music competitor in the University Week in 1964-65 of Gauhati University, and, in 1968 he was approved as vocalist by the All India Radio Guwahati, and since then he has been a regular performer with quite a number of songs to his credit. Till date, Dilip Choudhury, has lent his voice for four Assamese feature films viz, 'Bohagar Dupariya', 'Banxadhar', 'Jugantarar Tejal Powa' and 'Goon Goon Gane Gane'.

However, his inner urge, to strive for improving the musical atmosphere of the State and preserving its rich cultural heritage, has rooted him to an elevated ground of creativity unperturbed by the waves and lure of cheap popularity. His immense potentiality and creativity has, thus, been appreciated and applauded by people all over the state. He was recently honoured with other veteran artistes of the state by Sa-re-ga-ma organised by the newspaper houses, 'Aaji' and 'Samay'. He was also felicitated for his contribution to Assamese music by the All Assam Students' Union, Tezpur in 1994, the socio-cultural organisation " Kushilava", Nagaon in 1996, Bharat Vikas Parishad in 1998 and by 'Prastuti' in Tezpur in 1999.

Hence, whenever we would talk about Assamese music, the name of Dilip Choudhury would always glitter in our conversation, for his rich contributions towards the present status of Assamese music.

'Silpi Divas' - Art's Birthday in other words 

The 51st Silpi Divas was observed in the entire State in a befitting manner, on January 17. The memorable day 'Silpi Divas' is observed to pay grand tributes to Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwalla, the versatile genius, who strode like a colossus on the cultural domain of Assam. "Silpi" which means an artist, and the day 'Silpi Divas' is observed as a day for the artistes for whom Jyotiprasad dedicated his life. However, it is a wonderful coincidence that January 17th is also celebrated in several parts of the world as Art's

Birthday.

Jyotiprasad Agarwalla, the man behind the enrichment of Assamese language and literature was called by the Assamese people as 'Rupkonwar', whom we can never forget. He who was an artist with the depth of ideas, strong feelings, creative faculty and broad humanitarian outlook, had never left any creative medium untouched.

'Joymati' the first Assamese film was made and established by Jyotiprasad at Bholaguri Tea Estate in Tezpur, in the year 1935. His patriotic songs and the other Assamese songs has not only moved the freedom fighters, but also left a grand mark on the minds of the people of Assam, and are still very popular. Apart from being a reputed poet, a distinguished playwright, a renowned musician, a noted lyricist, a litterateur and a dancer with creative faculties, he was essentially an artiste at heart. He had a firm conviction that for the development of man, an artiste's world is the only answer. He advocated fervently for an artiste's world where only peace and eternal beauty would reign.

Rightly so, to pay great tributes to this noble son of Assam, on the day of his death, January 17, 1951, the people of the State observe the day every year as 'Silpi Divas' - a day for the artistes, for whom Jyotiprasad dedicated his life.

DOLBY format in Anuradha Cinema Hall

The DOLBY SR (Spectral Recording), one of the most advanced technology in the field of sound recording and replaying has been introduced in Anuradha Cinema. This is for the first time that such a hi-tech sound system has been installed in a theatre hall in the entire north-eastern region.

The evolution of Dolby film sound is an interesting story in itself. Though all films abroad are presently made with this technology, which ensures an extremely pleasant viewing with quality sound, Indian films have also started to adopt Dolby soundtracks.

The Dolby SR sound system has started functioning in the city theatre hall with the showing of Karan Johar's much-hyped multi-starrer Hindi film "Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham" from January 4th. However, this state-of-the-art sound technology in Anuradha cinema, will make watching movies-more exciting and involving than ever before. Thanks to the Anuradha Cinema management for providing a better facility to the respected cine-lovers in the State.

"Prem Aru Prem" on fast release

'Prem Aru Prem' the Assamese feature film produced by Karendra Kalita is to be released soon at various theatres of the State. The story, screenplay and dialogue has been penned by Sambhu Gupta, who is also the director of the film. Incidentally, Gupta has already written the stories of two successful films 'Jowane Amoni Kare' and 'Jone Jwaley Kopalat' before this film. The story of the film centres round two young friends - who also happened to be good football players. As a whole, the film is an entertaining family picture, with the lead artists - Nipon Goswami, Vidya Rao, Girish Chowdhury, Jatin Bora, Jerifa Wahed, Hemanta Dutta, Niloy Gupta, Chetana Das, Lipika Bora Medhi and newcomer Aimee Barua. The music director of the film is Zubeen Garg, with seven songs written by Hemanta Dutta, Diganta Kalita and Sambhu Gupta. The playback singers of the film include, besides Zubin Garg - Dr. Shrutanjay Das, Anindita Pal and Nirmali Das. Kashmiri KG Pravin of Chennai is responsible for the photography, while for choreography, Jini Moholia is responsible.