Somesh gone Out of Frame, RIP

Death is certain, Life is not. Yeah, Mortality is the ultimate truth of the universe. But sometime, we deny to believe this, find it hard to accept that death takes us all far away with the promise of not return back.
Somesh's death is also hard to accept by any means. Somesh Roy, the talented cinematograpaher takes his last breath in a bike accident in Guwahati city. One of the most stylish cameraperson of the region, somesh always will be missed for his outstanding works, though few in number. Personally, I worked with him in the mega serials for Rang Channel like 'Sabda', 'Jeevan dot com' n many more music videos. As I was the scriptwriter n lyricist of those projects, we used to sit to discuss things how our imaginations could be executed. For me, he is more than a friend. His death is really a great loss as we have lost a very creative cinematographer and a good human being.
RIP SOMESH.
You will be missed..Always..

A Tribute to Bhupenda...!

A special Write-up on Dr. Bhupen Hazarika , the legend of Assam.

Published in Asomiya Khabar on 13 nov 2011

From Mayong To the World.

Article published on 24th Nov 2013 ( News : After earning praise in America, Utpal Borpujari’s documentary “Mayong: Myth/Reality” has now been invited to Iran, apart from a special screening at Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. The documentary, produced by Jayanta Goswami under the banner of Darpan Cine Production, will be part of a special retrospective of Indian films at the 7th "Cinema Verite" Iran International Documentary Film Festival, to be held during December 10-17 in Tehran. The other Indian films to be screened at the festival are “The Sound of Old Rooms” by Sandip Ray, “Bahadur the Accidental Brave” by Aditya Seth, “There is Something in the Air” by Iram Ghufran, “The Women in Blue Berts” by Farida Pacha, “Director, Painter Shri Babura Laad Saheb” by Richa Hushing, “Dhananjay Kulkarni ‘Chandragupta’" by Rrivu Laha, and “Powerless” by Fahad Mustafa and Deepti Kakkar. The festival, organized by the Documentary & Experimental Film Center (DEFC), tries to express the relationship between reality and truth through documentary films. DEFC is the main centre for production, distribution and promotion of fiction, documentary, animation and experimental films in the Middle East. Borpujari’s film has also been invited for a special screening at IIM-B on November 6 under its prestigious “Seminar Series”, and the screening will follow his interaction with the top management institute’s students. The documentary, the DVD of which has been released internationally by Junglee Home Video, has earlier been screened at the Silent River Film Festival in California and the 6th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala, among others.)

Paani, the movie, showing some hope.

Paani is an Assamese Movie, directed by National Award winning director Jadumoni Dutta. The movie is doing good in various festivals around the world including Kolkata, Dhaka etc. The movie stars Aimee Barua, Asha Bordoloi, Bishnu Kharghoria,Atul Pasoni, Himangshu P Das etc. Paani (Thirst) is an attempt to explore between what the system says and what is actually translated into action. The gap between assurance and implementation is a grave danger to the ideals of freedom and democracy. This is the main theme of the movie. The plot starts with one fine morning; Jitu the dumb lad of Ratanpur village finds Lila the mohurer unloading pipes from the departmental tractor in front of the public library. News spread far and fast that it is only a matter of time water finds its way.

A new song and Adele in talk

English singer Adele really records filthy rap track?? The musician Tinie Tempah has revealed that he once recorded a ‘filthy’ rap with Adele.The musician was speaking on Alan Carr’s Chatty Man show when he told the host that Adele decided to experiment with her music style when she was hanging out with him and Labrinth.He said: ‘She was with me and Labrinth in the studio when he recorded Earthquake.‘Nobody really knows this. She recorded a rap and she told us that if we ever played it to anyone she would sue us.‘So when you talk to her next, ask her about the rap. It is really filthy as well.’Tempah revealed that the Someone Like You singer helped him select several tracks for his new album Demonstration. But he is true or false? Watever be the truth, but this song creating sensation all over. (Article published in dainik asom on 6 nov 2013)

Zubeen Protraying 'Zubeen' in Gaane Ki Aane!

Only quantity or quality too? It’s not just a question; actually it becomes matter of serious debate when it comes to Assamese Cinema. Unfortunately it has been a long period of Assamese Cinema suffering from various issues. Among them, lack of audience and poor economic statistics are undoubtedly prime. Few years back, the number of Assamese cinema releasing in a year had gone very low and this decreasing quantity also created various questions relating to the future and existence of the Assamese Cinema industry. But now the situation has been quite changed. From last two-three years we have been experiencing a rising graph of Assamese cinema in terms of quantity specially.

Adding more delight and hope to the industry, musical sensation of the region Zubeen Garg starts the shooting of his new film titled ‘Gaane Ki Aane’. He is playing the protagonist of it. If Zubeen means ‘Sensation’, then this new film means a lot for his fans for sure. The reason is nothing else but the story of the film. According to the sources, the story of this new flick revolves around the real life of Zubeen Garg and it has many similarities with him. Obviously it is a story of a popular artist that depicts his life, journey and of course the dark shades of being ‘popular’. The film, Gaane Ki Aane, is being produced by Gautam Chakravorty, Sunil Gogoi & Rajesh Jashpal under the banner of Raga Films (Mumbai). Bollywood Director Rajesh Jashpal is directing this much-talked Assamese Film. Rajesh has acted in various mega serials which shot him to fame and his directorial debut Hindi film ‘Baatein’ will hit theatres very soon. The Story and script of ‘Gaane ki Aane’ are by director Jashpal himself and Ibson Lal Barua has done the Assamese adaptation of it. Apart from Zubeen, the other casts of the film are Parineeta Borthakur, Nipon Goswami, Hiranya Deka, Rimpi Das, Rina Bora, Himagni Gogoi etc. After completion of the first shooting schedule in Mumbai, the film is being shot at different locations of Assam including Guwahati city, Jyoti chitraban film institute etc.

The music direction is by Zubeen Garg. Popular singers like Zublee, Parineeta, Mahalaxmi, Anindita Paul have rendered their voice to the soulful tunes of Zubeen. Cinematography is by Pradip Daimari and Make-up by Subhash. Publicity design by Dreamz features. Achinta Sankar and Manas Sagra are the Chief Assistant Director and Assistant Director respectively. As producers informs, the second shooting schedule of the film is about to complete and the unit will fly for Mumbai after that for the third and final schedule. They also have planned to shoot a song abroad, possibly at Gangtok. Zubeen looks very excited and optimistic as well with the film and it seems he is facing his past days in every shot at shooting site. So how does it feel portraying yourself on the screen and playing your own character in front of camera?? I wanted to ask Zubeen. But I stopped myself as suddenly i realised and got the answer too. The answer was in his eyes and i was just confused to differentiate between two Zubeens! one is very familiar Zubeen Garg, the singer, but the another Zubeen can be found only at shooting spot as a dedicated actor.

Durjon,the new movie, Good & Bads !!

Durjon, A new Assamese Film by debutant director Moupran Sarma, being produced by Dr Gunin Basumatary. After watching the film, i have found many positive aspects as well as negative. At first, the story is quite strong. But does a good story necessarily mean a good film? Not at all, Durjon, this romantic film also has that limitation due to its poor script and story-telling. The review published in Asomiya Khabar on 27.10.13 Click Here for the trailer

Gaane Ki Aane, Zubeen Garg's new flick

Mobile Theater understands better the Assam Audience !

Finally they got started again. After the inexpressible hard work and rehearsing day-night for almost one and half months, the Mobile theatre troupes of Assam have started their journey towards the different parts of the state in this mid-august.
Unfortunately unknown to the rest of the world, Assam got this unique cultural equity that already has crossed golden jubilee year from its inception and still celebrating a glorious chapter in the entertainment industry of the region. Despite the era of modern technology and advent of highly effective social networking media, the Mobile Theatre industry proudly keeping up its journey and touching new heights of success, both commercially and in case of popularity. Having this confidence and the blessings from masses, they again set off with the determination to win the hearts of the audience.
There are more than 40 mobile theatre groups in Assam today and all the groups will travel to different parts of the state to enthral the audience with their plays and magnificent techniques for next nine months. They will continue their journey of staging plays till next April-May month. Some of the leading mobile theatre troupes are Awahan Theatre, Hengool Theatre, Kahinoor Theatre, Bhagyadevi Theatre, Rajtilak Theatre, Ashirbaad Theatre, Brindaban Theatre, Itihash Theatre, Rajashri Theatre etc.

The concept of mobile theatre came into perception in 1963, when noted cultural activist and the pioneer of mobile theatre movement in the state Achyut Lahkar took this historical initiative to bring the Modern Theatre to all parts of Assam. He researched and learned a lot on the form of modern theatre and eventually had decided to go ahead with the concept of Mobile Theatre, popularly known as ‘Bhramyaman Theatre’. These mobile theatre troupes comprises of about 150-180 members including actors, technicians, make-up artists, cooks, drivers, helpers, dancers etc. Every year these mobile theatre groups select three plays typically and rehearse for one and half months in their camps. Finally they set off to stage these plays all the corners of the state. The local clubs and associations invite the troupes usually for three day event. According to these invitations, the troupes have to make their route and finalise the dates. The journey continues for next nine month and they travel throughout the state and all the necessary equipments, from lights, wires, machines, suitcases, chairs, bamboos etc, are to be loaded in trucks. The glorious journey, started in 1963, has come along a long path and it becomes the major source of entertainment in both the rural and urban areas of Assam.
By implementing the newer thought and innovations Mobile Theatre industry still gaining the overwhelmed response from masses and has the good turnover annually too. It should be mentioned that the industry reached a rare milestone in the history of modern Indian theatre without having any financial support from sponsors, but fortunately in recent years the troupes are getting some assistance from some corporate houses. From last year the mobile theatre of Assam is celebrating its golden jubilee and they have taken different programme to be executed throughout this year. There was a inauguration programme held at Pathsala, the town known as ‘Hollywood of Mobile Theatre’, where all the fraternity of the industry were present and they had discussed about the future initiatives should be taken for the growth and to increase the popularity of this only profit-making entertainment industry of the state.
And the industry got another feather to its hat, when National School of Drama (NSD) decided to take Mobile Theatre of Assam as its case study as it is a unique concept of staging drama in different places maintaining the contemporary entertainment level. NSD even invited Kahinoor Theatre, a popular and leading group, to perform drama in New Delhi and to share the ideas and techniques with the students as well as cultural activists of different parts. For a state like Assam, where all the entertainment industry, including the cinema, are in trauma and facing numerous problems, it is really a big aspect that mobile theatre industry still has been garnered and appreciated by all classes of people.
In this age of up-to-date technologies when the entertainment level becomes too high thanking to the internet, social networking media, dish antennas, different kind of television channels etc, how the mobile theatre industry of Assam is not only surviving and but also has surpassed all other to gain acclamation is really a matter to be discussed. If we look into the cinema industry of Assam we will come to know about a dark picture and find the industry is in a serious phase. It is noteworthy that in Assam, the first cinema had been made way back in 1935 and the cine industry has produced huge number of cult movies which earned recognition in various national, international platforms. But as Assamese Cinema fails to maintain that quality level with other, now the situation is really poor when the producers having losses continuously and the audiences also are not that interested for regional cinemas. Eventually the market of video films is also been ruined falling in the jaw of piracy and decreasing quality. Hence, the scenario of Assamese entertainment industry is not up to the mark naturally. But amidst this situation, the Mobile Theatre industry is earning a heavy turnover and artists are also getting paid well. No doubt, it is the reason for which all the big names of cinema industry are now busy with different troupes in mobile theatre industry. But what might be the reasons why people still go crazy when it comes to mobile theatre! Definitely the prime reason would be the innovative ideas of the industry that take steps according to time.

‘I really feel privileged to get such a medium in our state and work with it since long. Nowhere in the country has such a popular medium of entertainment exists except Assam. It makes me proud truly whenever I get a chance to talk on this outside and everybody find it hard to believe that such a industry can prevails and run successfully’, says Prostuti Parashar, leading actress of Assam who has worked in huge number of movies and has been associated with mobile theatre industry since long. Presently the popular actress is in Rajtilak Theatre, a leading troupe, and performing in various places of the state. This year the troupe has been staging three plays namely Maharani, Abhinetri and Xipa. Sankalpajit Hazarika, the proprietor of a popular and most stylish theatre troupe Hengool Theatre, says it is only people’s support and heartfelt response that running the industry successfully throughout the long period. Sankalpajit, a highly qualified guy, who studied abroad and then came back and took the responsibility of running the troupe after his father’s death. His father Prasanta Hazarika, a great actor-director who founded Hengool Theatre in 1986 and gave the industry a new look introducing new techniques and plays having modern concepts. This year Hengool theatre has started their journey with three different kinds of plays, i.e. Maa Ami Ulalu, Nisha and Chaknoiya. Again the noted drama activist and proprietor of Kohinoor Theatre, Ratan Lahkar fondly remembers those days when he jumped into this field and formed his group in 1976. The senior producer, who staged many epic plays including Titanic, Othello, Oshimot Jar Heral Xima etc. and has seen all the changing phases of this industry, says directly that Mobile Theatre of Assam has been surviving in people’s support; Govt has not taken any initiative for the industry’s growth. But keeping aside all the grievances and the obstacles, the mobile theatre of Assam is just moving on the right path to enthral the people of the state. Because they understand the audiences of Assam better than others!!

Prastuti Parashar Rules Mobile Theatre Audience of Assam !!

In these days, it seems there is nothing else for the people interested in Assamese art & cultural to enjoy and experience except Mobile Theatre. And hence, once again spectators are showing overwhelmed response and love, as before, towards this medium of entertainment in different parts of the state.
From this mid-august, almost every troupe has started their journey with new thoughts and new expectations. But when each and every troupe keeping on demanding their superiority over the others and arguing in favour of their dramas, the common spectators find some of the plays really heart-touching and worth-watch. And their anxious expressions through different medium drawing the attention of others too. Same happened in my case too as i heard a lot about some of those plays and finally got the privilege to watch two of them, one is the much-hyped drama of this season, i.e, Maharani and another is ‘Avinetri’.

Both the dramas are of Rajtilak Theatre, a popular and leading mobile theatre troupe which got applauds from masses within a very short period by the grace of some high-pitched drama and inclusion of some powerful actors, of course. Like yesteryears, the troupe again has already created a buzz among the masses with its projected drama of this year, i.e. ‘Maharani’, a play written by Abhijeet Bhattacharya.
And need not to mention here again that the centre of attraction of Rajtilak, in this season has been the most powerful and popular actress of the state in this time, Prostuti Parashar. The hype created by the troupe and the leading lady were the main attraction that has led me to Rajtilak’s auditorium. Watching Maharani was really a good experience as it got every commercial element, full of dance, song and action scenes. But the prime attention was again on Prostuti Porashar who enthralled the audience with her magnificent performance, playing the role of ‘Rani’. She beautifully portrayed the character of a girl who has nothing ‘girlish’ in her life and the queen of her own world. From the girl who fights easily with a group of goons to the girl who lost herself in someone’s heart, Prostuti splendidly has done justice to the character.
But to be frank, ‘Maharani’ was my favourite only for few days, and it was till i had watched ‘Avinetri’. It is because things have changed in my mind after watching this play on the stage of the same troupe. But before saying anything about the play, first i want to draw attention of Rajtilak Theatre authority and ask them to change the publicity strategy and promote not only ‘Maharani’, but also ‘Abhinetri’ too.
I honestly feel that people should know about this drama as it going to be one of the finest creations among the innumerous plays have been staged in these years in Mobile Theatre. Avinetri, means actress, is a heart-touching story that smoothly depicts the real picture of a woman’s life in our society. Unlike the title of the play, it’s not a story of a actor and the protagonist has nothing to do with acting in her life as she has been a highly qualified girl who got appointed in a local college as lecturer. What the story says is the real life acting that has to be done by most of the girl in their life just to make happy the people around her. Sacrifice remains the only way that can be opt by her, though she knows that it will make her life hell.
Like any other girls of her age, Aparaupa, the protagonist of ‘Avinetri’, had some long cherished dreams too. But some dreams are meant to be remain dreams only. From the life of young girl whose world starts and ends with her mother, to the girl who wants to fly for love, to the wife of a drunkard and uncivilised man, to the mother of a spoiled son, in every phase of life Aparaupa has to fight with life and fate. But she never cries, as if she doesn’t know what is tear all about, as if she doesn’t know how to react when someone lost the world of hope and dreams. The life of Aparupa can be easily related to so many who living their life just for the sake of being alive.
Apart from the story, it was Prostuti’s show really. The actor once again has proved her superiority, her difference with others and answers the question why she is ruling the industry. National award winning artist Tarali sarma’s soulful music and background score has played another important role in it. Prostuti were been well supported by Parag Sarma, Archana Bora and the actors too. Must say, Prostuti has been proving that she deserves to be the Maharani in this field, but Rajtilak’s ‘Avinteri’ once again proved that she is a ‘Avinetri’ in real term.

Poran and his experiments with Assamese Folk Music.

What is music? I asked Poran. He took some time and asked me back, what is life without music? I could not give the answer. Can any?

Okay, Leo Tolstoy sums up the definition of music in this single line. He said, Music is the shorthand of emotions. Isn’t it? Yes, of course. And he rightly termed music as a medium that can be used to express ones feelings & emotions in a best way.And Poran Borkotoky, the guy about whom we will talk about in this write-up, also started his journey with music to give his emotions and inner feelings a path to come out. Music had been his passion, his dream and his companion, but career?? Yeah, gradually it had become his bread-butter earner too. Not only this, music also has given him the world of imagination to showcase his musical creativity and also shot to fame. Poran Borkotoky is one of the leading composer, music producer, Vocalist and lyricist as well of Assam, popularly known as ‘Jojo’.
If you are a regular listener of Assamese music, then you must come across his name and his creative mind in various albums, movies and jingles as well. Poran Borkotoky belongs to those new breed of music composers who have been taking Assamese music to the next level with his newer thoughts and out-of-box experiments with different genres of music. Specially Poran is well known for his experiments and fusions with the local folk music of Assam and North-East in his several projects, which are commercially viable and carries the fragrance of folk culture as well.
From his works, one can have a clear idea about his experiments, his outstanding musical talent and also his restlessness with music. On a personal note, as far I know Poran, he never wants to keep his creativity within any particular genre or a limited traditional barrier of music. He always tries to make his songs competence and sound good at the international standard without affecting the regional taste. In these years, he has been experimenting on various genres in his every project and undoubtedly enriching the music scenario of the state. ‘As music is not remain only my passion now and it becomes my profession too, I have to work according to the producers taste first. But if you ask about my choice, then I prefer basically folk, India, rock and electronic music to work on’, says Poran in a candid chat at 0db Studio at Rajgarh, Guwahati. As one of the busiest music composer of the Assam, Poran always feels that people have to work for his stomach first, but nobody should miss any single opportunity to work for his or her heart.

Poran has been associated with media industry since 2003. But then music was not prime for him, rather it was ‘Sound’ that was more important, as he started his career as Sound Engineer in Mumbai. But it seems music was calling him and he went for his heart. Finally he decided to come back to his home city, Guwahati, and when the real journey of a dreamer had started.
And yeah, if you follow your heart, it might be little bit risky of course, but be sure heart will lead you to some destination, depending on your determination. Poran’s heart also was not exception, fortunately!
Till date, Poran has been credited with 1500 songs of different genre and a long list of successful projects, which has made him one of popular and much-talked composer of the music industry. He has worked more than 300 albums in Assamese, English, Hindi, Bengali and some other local languages of North-East including Popular singer Dikshu’s albums Dur & Debadaru (2007) , Simanta Shekhar’s album Apsara & Urvashi ( 2008 & 2012), Musical sensation Zubeen Garg & Manas Robin’s albums Toradoi, Pokhila & Hero (2008-2012) , Times Music’s album Suma & Abeli ft. Actor Nayan Nilim (2011-2012) , Bengali album Aaj Dujone for HMV ft. Manali Thakur & Raghav Chatterjee (2011) etc. Adding more glory to the list, he had the privilege to work in several movies like Ejaak Jonakir Jilmil (2007), Dhan Kuberor Dhan (2011), Tumi (yet to release), Ka Pise Hanuman & La La Ka Snam ( in Khasi language, 2012 & 2013), Adhinayak (2004), National Award winning flick Mon Jai ( 2008) etc. Poran is also credited with huge numbers of commercials & jingles for various corporate houses like Big 92.7 FM, Canara Bank, Airtel, Reliance, Vodafone, Topcem, Pepsi, SBI, HDFC, Tata, Maruti Suzuki, etc. Theme songs of National Games 2007, Ranchi National Games are also his memorable works. And to be mentioned here, Poran was the music director of the most popular TV music show of north-east DY-Medley.
And finally, a ‘Bollywood Move’!! Yeah, Poran is now all set to work in Bollywood as he gets opportunity to work in two Hindi Movies, that too of Sanjay Dutta Production. The happy as well as excited Poran is now giving his full effort to make the opportunity large in real sense. ‘The names of the movies are yet to be finalized, but work is going on. It seems some dreams are transforming to reality.’ Says Poran, with a smiling face.
All the Best Jojo!!

My write-up in The North-East Today (TNT) on Mobile Theatre Industry of Assam, October 2013 issue.

All do Scream, But don't Listen !!

#LONG_SHOT , My Column. A write-up on so-called cultural activists in Assam. See, when you have a problem and you are in a situation that does not allow to take any vibrant step, then it's time to think relaxedly, discuss with concerned people and then move forward. But here in Assamese Film industry, when the industry is in trouble due to many negative aspects and the existence of the industry is at risk, all the people related to it should make collective effort to overcome this phase. But unfortunately,most of the cultural activists and concerned people here are showing irresponsibility and indulging in blame game only. It seems they all are screaming keeping in mind only their personal scores instead of thinking about the future of the industry. (Published in Asomiya Khabar, 29 sept 2013)

Enthralling Presence, in Assam Tribune

These days, it seems there is nothing else for the people interested in Assamese art & cultural to enjoy and experience except Mobile Theatre. And hence, once again spectators are showing overwhelmed response and love, as before, towards this medium of entertainment in different parts of the state. From this mid-august, almost every troupe has started their journey with new thoughts and new expectations. But when each and every troupe keeping on demanding their superiority over the others and arguing in favour of their dramas, the common spectators find some of the plays really heart-touching and worth-watch. And their anxious expressions through different medium drawing the attention of others too. Same happened in my case too as i heard a lot about some of those plays and finally got the privilege to watch two of them, one is the much-hyped drama of this season, i.e, Maharani and another is ‘Avinetri’. Both the dramas are of Rajtilak Theatre, a popular and leading mobile theatre troupe which got applauds from masses within a very short period by the grace of some high-pitched drama and inclusion of some powerful actors, of course. Like yesteryears, the troupe again has already created a buzz among the masses with its projected drama of this year, i.e. ‘Maharani’, a play written by Abhijeet Bhattacharya. And need not to mention here again that the centre of attraction of Rajtilak, in this season has been the most powerful and popular actress of the state in this time, Prostuti Parashar. The hype created by the troupe and the leading lady were the main attraction that has led me to Rajtilak’s auditorium. Watching Maharani was really a good experience as it got every commercial element, full of dance, song and action scenes. But the prime attention was again on Prostuti Porashar who enthralled the audience with her magnificent performance, playing the role of ‘Rani’. She beautifully portrayed the character of a girl who has nothing ‘girlish’ in her life and the queen of her own world. From the girl who fights easily with a group of goons to the girl who lost herself in someone’s heart, Prostuti splendidly has done justice to the character. But to be frank, ‘Maharani’ was my favourite only for few days, and it was till i had watched ‘Avinetri’. It is because things have changed in my mind after watching this play on the stage of the same troupe. But before saying anything about the play, first i want to draw attention of Rajtilak Theatre authority and ask them to change the publicity strategy and promote not only ‘Maharani’, but also ‘Abhinetri’ too. I honestly feel that people should know about this drama as it going to be one of the finest creations among the innumerous plays have been staged in these years in Mobile Theatre. Avinetri, means actress, is a heart-touching story that smoothly depicts the real picture of a woman’s life in our society. Unlike the title of the play, it’s not a story of a actor and the protagonist has nothing to do with acting in her life as she has been a highly qualified girl who got appointed in a local college as lecturer. What the story says is the real life acting that has to be done by most of the girl in their life just to make happy the people around her. Sacrifice remains the only way that can be opt by her, though she knows that it will make her life hell. Like any other girls of her age, Aparaupa, the protagonist of ‘Avinetri’, had some long cherished dreams too. But some dreams are meant to be remain dreams only. From the life of young girl whose world starts and ends with her mother, to the girl who wants to fly for love, to the wife of a drunkard and uncivilised man, to the mother of a spoiled son, in every phase of life Aparaupa has to fight with life and fate. But she never cries, as if she doesn’t know what is tear all about, as if she doesn’t know how to react when someone lost the world of hope and dreams. The life of Aparupa can be easily related to so many who living their life just for the sake of being alive. Apart from the story, it was Prostuti’s show really. The actor once again has proved her superiority, her difference with others and answers the question why she is ruling the industry. National award winning artist Tarali sarma’s soulful music and background score has played another important role in it. Prostuti were been well supported by Parag Sarma, Archana Bora and the actors too. Must say, Prostuti has been proving that she deserves to be the Maharani in this field, but Rajtilak’s ‘Avinteri’ once again proved that she is a ‘Avinetri’ in real term.
on 28th Sept, 2013

Rajdweep, Only Rajdweep

Prostuti's Magic On, from Maharani to Avinetri at Rajtilak Theatre.

Anup Baruah, who speaks through the lens…!!

Few days ago, if you would have gone into any of recording studios at Guwahati, there is maximum chance of getting it busy with the Mobile Theatre songs. It is because in these particular months in every year, about from May to August, almost every recording studio at Guwahati remains busy and booked for the recordings of Mobile Theatre troupes. Not only the studios, but also the artists, music arrangers, composers, lyricists all have to keep themselves working for the only profit-making as well as growing entertainment industry of the state, i.e. Mobile Theatre. Needless to say, they have to work day-night in such studios to meet the deadlines of several projects as most the troupes are bound to start their journey in mid-august. It was such an evening at Zero db studio, Raigarh, where the recordings of Hengool Theatre songs were going on in full swing. From Sankalpajit Hazarika, the producer of the troupe, to composer Sibabrata Sarma to many of artists, singing for Hengool this year, were roaming in a musical universe and amongst them I found him and got the privilege to have a candid chat with this popular fashion photographer and lyricist, of course. And if you are familiar to the entertainment industry of the state, then you will surely know this guy having the composite talent of photography and song writing. Yeah, He is Anup Baruah, popularly known as ‘Biju’.

If I need to introduce Anup Baruah, I would love tag him as a guy who loves to speak by his camera, through his lens rather than mouth. This soft-spoken boy, rooted from Jorhat, is now established himself as one of the most prominent as well as popular photographer of the region. Using his newer thoughts and innovative ideas, he has been trying to take the photography scenario of Assam to the next level. As one of the pioneer of fashion photography, the young guy has been working for about 12 years and already has carved a niche for himself in this field. He has been credited with 14-15 Assamese cinemas as photographer. The attractive n enthralling photos clicked by Anup has been decorating numerous posters and hoardings of cinema and corporate events. Some of his noteworthy print advertisement works are collaborated with Edu-fest, Edu-options, Geoshine, Divyam Diamond, Jetwings, Subham Heights , NEift etc. And for the regular readers of leading newspaper and magazines Anup Baruah is quiet a familiar name. He has been working for various projects for such publications from the cover page to feature page photographs. The experienced photographer got opportunity to work with most of all the big names of the industry and every time his creative 'click' gets appreciation from masses as well as critics. Another aspect of Anup Barua, which should be mentioned, is his search of new talents and his effort to provide them a platform. In these years, he earned a good name for bringing some bright talents to the industry through his magical lens and gives them the opportunity to showcase their inner talent as well. Many of today's successful and popular names, working in different medium, take Anup Baruah's name with full heart as their mentor.

Apart from still photography, he has been trying his hands in visual photography too. He has directed many music videos for reputed production houses featuring popular artists of this region and his works has been applauded. On the other hand, if we forget his camera for some time, then we will surely need to talk about his another creative weapon, i.e. pen. This talented and much-talked photographer of the town got another identity as a lyricist as he penned lots of soulful songs till date. He has written many popular songs for a good number of Assamese Cinema, Album and also for Mobile theatres of Assam , which keeps on lingering in people’s mind and soul. Concluding this write-up just want to say to this man, who believes on simple living , that show must go on Anup da! link : http://www.assamtimes.org/node/8783

Journey with ‘Bard of Avon’ again...

Nobody knows, when exactly Romeo born, when Juliet came into his life and how the greatest love story ever started. It is because of the fact that the history of English literature has not any reliable answer to the question: ‘when the "Bard of Avon" exactly penned the Romeo and Juliet?’ The Question becomes little bit tougher as whenever we saw it on stage, it looks fresh and relevant to our present scenario. It is really hard to find why we, the audience, weep silently for the tragic ending of the love pair again and again, even after knowing the story and watching it many times. Perhaps it’s the magical touch of the greatest English writer William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon, which has made this play evergreen and heart-touching. After quite a long gap, the Guwahatians got the privilege to meet Romeo and beautiful Juliet once again, wrapped up with some new thoughts and the needful modernisation. It was a evening of overwhelming welcome to the William Shakespeare’s excellent creation by the fully packed auditorium of Rabindra Bhawan. It was the eve of prestigious Natasurya Drama Festival, that took us back to the tragic love-life of Romeo and Juliet. First of all I would like thanks to Aimee Barua, popular cine-actor of the state, for taking the initiative of bringing once again the greatest tragic love story to the stage of Rabindra Bhawan with full enthusiasm and inspiration. The noted actor, who already carved a niche for herself in the cultural sphere of the state by her works in cinemas and mobile theatre as well, this time, took the initiative for staging an amateur drama. And for this, She recently formed her production house ‘Aimee Barua Production’ and jumped into the arena of amateur theatre. And eventually she decided to start the new journey with the golden piece of Shakespeare, the Romeo and Juliet. Another talented actor and drama activist Himangshu Prasad Das, the NSD graduate, who has brought out the essence of the play in that way that it could be staged here with limited resources and timing as well. He played the role of Romeo and directed the play too, while the elegant Aimee Barua enthralled the audience by her Juliet avatar. Both the lead actors have shown their immense talent and do justice to the epic characters to larger extent. It is because of the their outstanding performance that created a pin-drop-silence amidst of fully packed auditorium. The other characters of the play had been played by Khalinjyoti Bora, Apurba Barman, Dhiraj Mahanta, Niranjan Sarma, Sukdeb Nath, Bornali Bordoloi, Pallabi Barua, Sangita Barua, Sangita Kakati, Tagar Lota Das, Jyotiprasad Das, Dwipen Kalita, Samit Barman, Dhiraj Das, Munindra Das, Amal Thakuria, Bikul Bodo, Rupam Jan, Binod Das, Nilkamal etc. The other people behind this successful presentation of this drama are Pawan Mahanta and Dimpal Kumar Barua who were in-charge of stage decoration and light monitoring respectively.

It should be mentioned here that one of the most attractive part of this play, staged on 4th August, is the last scene in which the original playwright William Shakespeare himself comes on to the stage from the audience. The scene and the concept, added by the director himself, are really noteworthy as it makes the play more relevant to the present and provides the audience a new thought. Another important aspect of that evening is the overwhelming response of the audience. The huge gathering of people compelled the organizers and the troupe to stage another show and that is why there was two shows were being staged of the play. ‘It’s really a great experience. I was so tensed for this but finally our hard work got appreciation ’Says Aimee Barua, the producer and the red gown-claded Juliet of that evening . The actor cum producer also have a plan to stage the play in other parts of the state if any organiser comes forward. We hope the new journey of Aimee, has been started with William Shakespeare, will go on in coming days. Published in www.assamtimes.org link : http://www.assamtimes.org/node/8725

COMEDY NIGHTS WITH KAPIL, Laughter redefined..!!

in Dainik Asom on 11sept 2013

Snake Shyam, a man with snakes

in dainik asom on 3 sept,13

Sabeer Bhatia, the Indian behind Hotmail

in Dainik Asom on 28.08.13

Transgender Monalisa, a piece on an unique museum.

in Dainik Asom on 21.08.13

Timeless Creation in Assam Tribune

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/showpage.asp?id=aug1713,11,84,153,996,729

A drama, an inititaive in memory of Jonky Borthakur.

(12.08.13)

Zee TV SAREGAMAPA famed Antara Nandy Back with Rajdweep Song for Hengool Theatre.

A tribute to great bollywwod 'Bad-Man', Pran.

Write-up in Dainik Asom on 24.07.13

Jiah Khan went awy...

article in Dainik Asom on 12 June 2013

New Hero of Indian Children Chota Bheem

in Dainik Asom on 5 june 2013

Mobile Theatre needs Security from Whom?

in Asomiya Khabar on 31.05.2013

The Cleaner Bin

About Dhruba Jyooti Saikia's short film on dustbin 'the Cleaner Bin' 26 the June 2013

Cinema or torture !!

in Asomiya Khabar on 12 May 2013.

Sabda, the serial

News in the sentinel. title song by rajdweep

After Watching 'Ranangan', a new Assamese Film

in Asomiya Khabar on 28 April 2013

News on my song DOLA MUR AHIBO EDIN

in Asomiya Khabar on 28.04.2013

News on my song DOLA MUR AHIBO EDIN

in Asomiya Khabar on 28.04.2013