Persona behind the award :

Mahendra Barthakur

Among the different literary forms, writing of plays seems to be the most neglected format. The situation in Assam is no better with proliferations of novels, stories, poems, articles and even biographies over dramas. In this deserted landscape of playwrights, Mahendra Barthakur stood proudly like a gigantic banyan tree, with numerous branches for the different media like stage, radio or cinema. He served the AIR from 1957 to 1991 in various positions till his retirement by Director (NE) of AIR. But despite his professional commitments, he wrote hundreds of radio plays like Nokowai Bhal, numerous stage plays like Janma, Shipa, Ahotgurir Natun Baat, Sorapatot Basanta, Mokorajaal, Sicha Panir Maach, Mukhya Mantri etc. He also wrote the screenplays of several Assamese movies like Sontora, Ajoli Nabou, Koka Deota Nati aru Hati, Shakuntala aru Shankar Joseph Ali, Duronir Rang, Bohagor Duporia, Maa, Arati, Ashanta Prahar etc. What is remarkable is that his output has enormous variety within these plays whether for radio, stage or film. He also translated a few books from Malayalam and English like Dapon (Malayalam, NBT), Hamlet (English).

His plays carried the modern themes of angst and alienation with the normal hopes and aspirations, pain and pleasure, anxieties and struggle of the common people. Though his plays were numerous, the qualitative innovations were always presented in such a way that the people got a different perspective on traditional characters. As a result of his honest and direct approach to unraveling the inner struggles of a character resulted in some path breaking production.

Late Mahendra Barthakur had served the Asom Natya Sanmilan conscientiously as its' President of Asom Natya Sanmilan in 2001-02.

Persona behind the Award :

Dr. Tarani Kanta Roy

Dr. Tarani Kanta Roy's life spanned the two World Wars as well as the turbulent times of India's freedom movement. Despite the assault on humanity during these times, he was a profoundly humane person. Born into privilege, being the eldest son of an influential family, his father was a Ranger in the British Govt., he got the best of education. After passing out from Bangabasi College in Calcutta, he did his medical studies in Berry White Medical School in Dibrugarh. The fervour of the freedom struggle affected him profoundly and he got actively involved with the independence movement. Due to his nationalistic activities, the family house was raided and ransacked several times for incriminating evidence. Somehow most of the seditious material were removed before the raids. But unwilling to let his family suffer for his activism, he explored other alternatives to serve the people. He saw the chance when Mahatma Gandhi made the appeal to the Indian people to fight with the British allies against the fascist onslaught and immediately joined the Medical Corps of the Indian Army serving first at Luckhnow, Allahabad, Pune and finally Singapore. Disregarding his own safety while attending to the war wounded, he was killed in a Japanese bombing raid on the field hospital on 13th February, 1942. He was never to see his beloved motherland again. Due to the prevailing war and India's Independence, it was almost seventy years before anyone from the family were able to pay their final respects at his memorial.

Late Dr. Tarani Kanta Roy was a man of many parts. Apart from philanthropy and academics, he was involved in staging of several plays including Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors. He organized soirees for revolutionary poems and songs of Rabindranath Tagore, Nazrul Islam and Ambikagiri Roychowdhury. He also helped other artists in recording of plays, comedies, songs etc in Calcutta. Though early death prevented the full flowering of his artistic abilities, his name was carried proudly by the family and also the people in the western part of Assam.

Persona behind the award :

Brajanath Sarma

As an artist soldier and a freedom fighter, Brajanath Sarma's name is reverently remembered all over Assam. In his lifetime from 15th September 1884 to 12th September 1960, his multifaceted personality took on all odds, in his quest for excellence.

At the age of 21, he joined the British Indian Army as an ordinary soldier and was promoted as Store Clerk in 1898. While being posted from place to place, he came in contact with Mr. George, an outstanding musician from Vienna. His proximity with Mr. George resulted in developing a sound knowledge of music, art and culture. He was also associated with the West Bengal Dramatic Club. He learnt drama from Hrishikesh Mukharjee, dance from Jogeswar Rai and music from Chandra Ghosh. He launched his career as actor in Calcutta but due to his mother's demise had to return to Assam. In 1924, he started the Ganakgari Opera Party, which had to be closed after a few years. Undaunted he launched a new opera party in 1933 with the assistance of Sri Bipin Barua of Puranigudam. He revolutionized the theatre scene in Assam by introducing co-acting in this Kohinoor Opera Party. It was only two year later the Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala opted for co-acting in his film Joymoti in 1935. But the Kohinoor Opera also closed down due to financial problems. Though fallen as hard times, he recovered and utilized all his energy for the development of Assamese Theatre as a whole. The plays he wrote, Barjita, Patita, Baruna, Monomoti all reflected his ideas of women's emancipation.

Even with his total involvement with theatre and culture, has nationalistic fervour was undiminished. In 1942, he along with a few other patriots, tried to set fire to the Sarbhog airport of the British Army. He was caught and sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment for his act of defiance. At the time of his death on 12th September 1960, he departed largely unnoticed or unmourned. But in later years, the people of Assam have come to know the true worth of this son of the soil, who was a great patriot as well as a blazing pioneer in the field of Assamese Theatre.

Dr. Tarani Kanta Roy Award for Excellence in Stage Direction and Allied Arts :

In 2015, Sri Dulal Roy, noted Theatre Director and President of the Asom Natya Sanmilan, took the initiative to institute a biennial award to honour the memory of his father, Dr Tarani Kanta Roy. This national level award is meant for Excellence in Stage Direction and Allied Arts to be bestowed on the most deserving in India. Every two years, the deserving awardee is selected from among the noted Directors of the country, who has made a lasting contribution in the field of Theatrical Direction. Prof. Waman Kendre, Director, National School of Drama was the first worthy recipient of the award in 2015.

For 2017, after scrutinizing the names recommended by the National Level Selection Committee, the Karnadhar Samiti of the Asom Natya Sanmilan, has unanimously selected the name of Prof Tripurari Sarma, renowned Director, Playwright, Author and Professor of Acting, NSD, for the Prestigious Dr. Tarani Kanta Roy Award for Excellence in Stage Direction and Allied Arts.

Brajanath Sarma Award for Excellence in Direction, Writing and Theatrical Production :

Since 1995 the Asom Natya Sanmilan has been celebrating a weeklong Natya Sanmilan Saptah in the month of September to commemorate the memory of Brajanath Sarma, a great patriot as well as a blazing pioneer in the field of Assamese Theatre. From 2010, the Sanmilan decided to institute an award in honour of this great personage, to be awarded for excellence in the field of theatre in Assam. Till date the recipients have been a household names in the field of theatre like Achyut Lahkar, Adya Sarma, Dharani Barman, Mahananda Sarma, Anupama Bhattacharya & Ratan Lahkar.

For 2017, Sri Rafiqul Hussain, noted Director, Playwright, Poet and Author, has been selected unanimously by the Karnadhar Samiti of the Asom Natya Sanmilan for the Prestigious Brajanath Sarma Award for Excellence in Direction, Writing and Theatrical Production.

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Asom Natya Sanmilan Lifetime Achievement Award :

This prestigious recognition was instituted by the Asom Natya Sanmilan in 2002, under the patronage of Sri Jayanata Barua, owner of the Sadin-Pratidin group of publications. This award is meant for a senior artist of either stage and film, whose talent and dedication is reflected in memorable performances over a considerable length of time. Since inception, the awardees names are a veritable who's who of the titans in the field of theatre and films. Venerated names like Arun Sarma, Girish Choudhury, Prafulla Barua, Kulada Kr Bhattacharjya, Ratna Oja belong to this august company.

For the year 2017 Shrimati Arati Barua, veteran Stage and Film Actress, has been selected unanimously by the Karnadhar Samiti of the Asom Natya Sanmilan, for the Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in the field of Acting on Stage and Film

As theatre is one of the oldest form of mass communication, the Asom Natya Sanmilan has also included various activities in its agenda for greater mass communication, popularization and cohesive development of this Art form. One of the major item in this Agenda, is to honour some of the most popular and renowned practitioners in the field of good theatre or legitimate theatre.

Asom Natya Sanmilan

The Asom Natya Sanmilan originated as the All Assam Ekanka Natya Sanmilan, with an objective to develop Assamese Theatre. Kalaguru Bishnuprasad Rava was the founder President of this organization. He along with the dedicated workers and cultural icons of that time tried to forge a united front to guide the theatre movement in the proper direction.

It came into being as the Asom Natya Sanmilan in 1959 and so this year marks the 58th year of its existence. Now it is the most August Forum in the field of dramatic performances for Assam with its' domain spreading all over the state with almost 150 branches. The people of Assam are fortunate indeed that giants like Kalaguru Bishnuprasad Rava, Natasurjya Phani Sarma, Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and their likes have ploughed the field of theatre and made it fertile with their blood, sweat and tears. The great tradition of Ankiya Bhaona laid down by the great saints Mahapurush Sankardev and Mahapurush Madhabdev more than five centuries ago, are also in the life blood of every Assamese. With the great legacy of the Bhaona, the culture of theatre in different forms always existed in this region and hopefully continue to flourish in the future too.

As already mentioned, the growth and present stature of the Sanmilan would not have been possible but for the ceaseless toils and sacrifices of the many Manishis as well as the silent foot soldiers, in the cause of theatre. It is because of the great sacrifices, the Sanmilan is still standing tall and proud despite the struggles, upheavals and the various ups and down along the way. It is hoped that Asom Natya Sanmilan will be always there to remind the people about what lasting excellence and artistic sincerity mean in theatre. For this to happen, the Sanmilan as a whole and other luminaries in the field must play the role of a lighthouse which shine a beacon of light, so that this art form may proceed in the right direction.

Asom Natya Sanmilan Officials:

Dulal Roy, President

Hem Bora, Vice President

Najim Ahmed, Working President

Shyam Sundor Khound, General Secretary

AWARDEE :

Adil Hussain

Adil Hussain was born in Assam. From his childhood he was attracted to the stage and started performing in plays, skits and even stand up comedy. Gradually he developed his talents through radio, television and films. For a more systematic learning he applied and was awarded a scholarship to study acting at the National School of Drama, New Delhi. The craving for learning his art well then took him to Drama Studio, London. Under the guidance of teachers like Khalid Tyabji, N Delhi and Shaupon Boshu, Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry, he honed his craft. In 1997 and then 2007, he got an opportunity to perform as the lead actor in an international production, 'The Moeder India' by the International Danstheater, Holland. His performance as Othello in Royston Abel's production of 'Othello- A Play in Black and White, was acclaimed internationally and was awarded the Edinburgh Fringe First Award in 1999. He was also in Royston Abel's Goodbye Desdemona. Apart from all these, he played lead roles in television series and independent film productions such as 'Jasoos Vijay'; 'In Othello'; 'Iti Srikanto'; 'For Real' etc. In a rare achievement for an Assamese actor, he has a substantial body of works in the Hindi Film industry including films like Ishqiya and Agent Vinod, English Vinglish, Lootera, Sunrise, Zed Plus etc. Some notable Assamese movies with Adil are Kothanodi, Sringkhal, Rodor Sithi.

His role in the Indo-Italian production of Gangor in 2010 was highly praised in the Hollywood Reporter. He has also worked with acclaimed directors like Ang Lee in the Hollywood production Life of Pi, where he played Pi's father and also The Reluctant Fundamentalist. Apart from Assamese, Hindi and English he has also worked in Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam and French productions. In 2011, he along with his guide and friend Dilip Shankar embarked on another theatre project, Karmnishtha, which is a dialogue between Krishna and Arjun at the battlefield of Kurukshetra. He continues to mentor young actors as a work leader to share his wealth of experiences at the NSD, Film and Television Institute of India and other exalted institutions here and abroad.

Sri Adil Hussain has been selected unanimously by the Karnadhar Samiti of the Asom Natya Sanmilan for the Prestigious Mahendra Barthakur Award for Excellence in Acting on Stage and Film for 2017.

AWARDEE :

Prof. Tripurari Sharma

Prof. Tripurari Sharma is a noted Theatre Director as well as a playwright of repute. After graduating from Delhi University in English, she has obtained her Diploma in Direction from the National School of Drama, New Delhi. As well as translating plays like Othello and Andhayug, she has written plays like Bahu and Kath Ki Gadi. She was also involved in parallel stream movies Mirch Masala and Hazar Chaurasi Ki Maa. In her plays she has explored folk forms like Pandavani, Nautanki and Khayaal. Her plays have been translated into English and other Indian languages while the play Kath Ki Gadi has been translated into French as well. Apart from being the representative from India at the First International Women Playwrights Conference in the USA in 1986, various other accolades and recognition had come her way due to her outstanding contributions to the field of theatre. She was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in the Field of Theatre Direction in 2013.

Other notable awards include the Sanskriti Puraskar (1986); Delhi Natya Sangha (1990); Safdar Hashmi Award from UP Sangeet Natak Akademi. In an International Initiative, she was among the ninety nine women nominated from India for the Thousand Women for Nobel Peace Prize.

Earlier she had served as the Acting Director of the National School of Drama and presently working as Professor of Acting at the NSD, where she continues to inspire people in the field of theatrical excellence. As a thinking Director of modern theatre in India, she has identified the importance in shaping new approaches to acting and direction.

After scrutinizing the names recommended by the National Level Selection Committee, the Karnadhar Samiti of the Asom Natya Sanmilan, has unanimously selected the name of Prof Tripurari Sarma, for the prestigious biennial Dr. Tarani Kanta Roy Award for Excellence in Stage Direction and Allied Arts for the year 2017.

AWARDEE :

Rafiqul Hussain

Rafiqul Hussain is a mercurial genius who writes plays and poetry, a story teller, author, stage designer and director and wears so many hats. Born in Tuensang, Nagaland and settled in Bokakhat, Assam, he uses his keen eye for observation and brings his innate artistic sensibilities to all his creations, be it books, plays, poems, stagecraft or direction. His books like Sharabidhdha Akash (1984) and Bishad Basanta (2009) are much acclaimed in the literary circles in Assam. His trilogy Dhowa, Daibaki, Jalashay in 1995 and Jalaprapat in 2008 were awarded by the Assam Sahitya Sabha.

Some notable plays authored by him are Ujan, Kaurav Pandav, Aranyat Urmila, Saponor Brindavan, Jal Bhabonar Dapon, Putolar Chorus, Chhandita Surjya, Jivan Chhandomoy (an all women play), Abhimanyur Maha Kavya, Ghatotkoch etc. He has also authored two books on theatrical experiences Theateri Golpo and Eta Petticoator Kahini aru Anyanya. But his main forte has always been theatre direction and in this role he has received numerous accolades from the discerning public as well as several institutions. After a theatrical odyssey of almost 35 years, he has not stopped and continues to explore new artistic vistas.

Rafiqul Hussain has been selected unanimously by the Karnadhar Samiti of the Asom Natya Sanmilan for the Prestigious Brajanath Sarma Award for Excellence in Direction, Writing and Theatrical Production for 2017.

AWARDEE :

Shrimati Arati Barua

Shrimati Arati Barua was bitten by the acting bug very early. At Nagaon, she was hardly six years old when the Pala Gan (Jatra plays) played on gramophone records held a strange fascination for her. She would listen to the Pala Gans like Joymoti, Sati Beula, Alibaba Marjina and then re-enact the plays on makeshift stages at home with her friends and relatives. Even as a child her horizon expanded from makeshift stage at home to more formal set ups at Nagaon Nehru Bali and Nagaon Amolapatty Natya Mandir, where she came into contact with notable cultural icons like Indreswar Barthakur, Jugal Das, Chandra Phukan, Sarada Bordoloi and the likes. Her father being a Govt. Officer had a transferrable job and the family had to move quite often. Thus she got an opportunity to shine as Gandhari in a play directed by the Bijni Rani Sabita Devi at Bijni. She had a memorable role as Usha in Usha Porinoy at Milan Mandir, which was directed by Phani Talukdar. Her growing popularity as a stage actor and increasing repertoire made her enact more challenging roles with aplomb. After some great performance at the Assam Club, Shillong she became a regular radio artist in 'Semonia Sora'. Her marriage to Rudra Barua, renowned poet, singer, composer, artist and later Director of Cultural Affairs was almost like a confluence of two artistic streams. As they settled in Guwahati, she continued as a popular Radio Artist and also acted in films like Sandhya Raag, Agnisnan, Mrityunjay, Moinajan, Juiye Pora Son etc. She has, at the age of 82, enacted the role of Goalpariya Lok Geet Samraggi, Padmashri Pratima Pandey Barua's last days.

For her artistic achievements, she has been honoured with the Jiwanram Mungeri Devi Goenka Award in 2015, Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Assam in 2007, AIR, Guwahati in 2009, NF Railway in 2014 and Jyoti Bharati, Tezpur among others.

Arati Barua has been selected unanimously by the Karnadhar Samiti of the Asom Natya Sanmilan in 2017, for the Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in the field of Acting on Stage and Film.

Mahendra Barthakur Award for Excellence in Acting on Stage and Film :

This prestigious award was instituted by the Asom Natya Sanmilan in 2002 in honour of this great playwright of Assam, Mahendra Barthakur. It has been awarded since then to an upcoming artist for excellence in acting on Stage and Film and the artists whose names have been graced by this award include Shukracharjya Rabha, Mrinal Bora and Seema Biswas of national & international acclaim.

Sri Adil Hussain, who has won nationwide and international acclaim for his range of Stage and Screen performances, has been selected unanimously by the Karnadhar Samiti of the Asom Natya Sanmilan for the Prestigious Mahendra Barthakur Award for Excellence in Acting on Stage and Film for 2017.

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Keynote

The Asom Natya Sanmilan is like a flowing river. During the course of its journey, it welcomes all constructive suggestions from actors, directors, playwrights, music composers, costume designers, stage & light men, critics, audiences and all right thinking men involved with theatre or culture. But while welcoming all helpful contributions for the free flow of ideas, we must remain ever vigilant that the elements which vitiate our culture does not pollute and make stagnant this vibrant art.

Earlier also but especially 2015 onwards, the Asom Natya Sanmilan has taken several steps for propagation of theatre in the state through holding of theatre festivals for children, Mandalik, Full Length and Readers' Play, National level plays from Sangeet Natak Akademi, National School of Drama and other reputed Theatre Groups, Recitation, Mono Acting, Mime, Playwriting competitions, Seminars, Exhibitions, Workshops etc. These have been done to make our public as well as the theatre aficionados aware of the developments of theatre outside our state so that we can in turn develop our theatre in tune with the times.

The Asom Natya Sanmilan has instituted several awards both for recognition at the national as well as state level for excellence in the field of theatre. Apart from the awards prominent artists are also felicitated. This is being done to reward, encourage, sustain and nurture the theatrical community in its struggle against difficult odds.

Sometimes people are unnecessarily critical about making theatrical adaptation from outside. But for me what is more important is 'how good is the play'. Legendary Director Peter Brook's Mahabharata, with a multilingual cast and the role of Draupadi played by the noted danseuse Mallika Sarabhai, was a huge success despite it being an adaptation for them. There are many other successful adaptations. An open and receptive mind is required to accept something which may be novel for a different culture and milieu. Recently the Ankiya Bhaona Sree Ram Vijay was performed in Chandigarh and was given a standing ovation. The different language or the presentation did not deter the audience there from appreciating the stellar performance.

In continuity with the above, what makes good theater? A good beginning is made with a well written play. For this to happen talented authors must use their craftsmanship to write more plays. People like Phani Sarma, Mahendra Barthakur, Satya Prasad Barooah, Arun Sarma have shown the way, now it is the time of the young playwrights to follow the path shown by the elders or to carve their own path to create innovative plays. Then our directors will have the luxury to make choices from our own material which will automatically reduce the dependence on adaptations.

As of today the Asom Natya Sanmilan is a homeless orphan. Despite the toils and sacrifices of many stalwarts over the years, it still has no permanent address of its own. Lack of funds for carrying out its growing agenda is another major concern. It would be the greatest honour to the souls of all the theatre activists of the state, from the giants to the foot soldiers, if some solution can be found for these issues.

The Asom Natya Sanmilan is a part of society and as it develops, encounters various elements good and bad. However I am confident that the Sanmilan will be able to overcome the evils of society and like the Phoenix, rise to a newer and better self.

Dulal Roy

President

Asom Natya Sanmilan

Guwahati, Assam.

Felicitation Program

Shrimati Bimala Gogoi, Dhemaji : An excellent Folk Dancer & Actress.

Shri Chandramohan Mazumdar, Barpeta : Passionate Actor, Organizer.

Shri Hariprasad Barthakur, Bokakhat : Actor of long standing, Director, Organizer.

Shri Aischharya Kakati, Tezpur : Outstanding Director for Children's Play, Writer.

Shri Bichitra Das, Digboi : Actor, Director & Allied Cultural Activities.

Shri Parag Sarma, NSD, N Delhi : Innovative Actor, Teacher, Lighting & Production Designer.

Asom Natya Sanmilan Awards and Felicitations (2017)