Guwahati: A solemn and heartfelt memorial event was held today at Surjya Club, Cenikuthi, Guwahati, to honor the life and legacy of renowned filmmaker and scriptwriter Bhaskar Jyoti Das. The acclaimed storyteller passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 51 after a courageous battle with cancer.
The memorial featured a special screening of his critically acclaimed documentary An Unknown Summer, which was a competition entry at the 2024 International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala. Following the screening, close friends, collaborators, and admirers shared emotional tributes, reflecting on the profound impact Das had on Assamese cinema and the broader world of storytelling.
Aparna Sarma, a Professor at the University College of Los Angeles, who worked closely with Bhaskar Jyoti Das on several academic documentaries centered on Assam and Northeast India, described him as a creative genius. Expressing deep sorrow, she acknowledged that coming to terms with his absence would take time.
National award-winning filmmaker Supriya Sen shared a poignant audio message, recounting Das’s passion for filmmaking and his distinctive storytelling approach.
Jaicheng Jai Dohutia, director of the national award-winning film Haanduk, also shared an emotional audio message. He spoke of his enduring friendship with Das and recognized him as a mentor who played a pivotal role in shaping his creative journey.
Das’s mentorship extended beyond Dohutia, inspiring countless young filmmakers from the region. National award-winning filmmaker and critic Utpal Borpujari emphasized Das’s significant contributions to nurturing cinematic talent. Borpujari highlighted Das’s involvement in organizing the Cinema Within We film workshop series across Assam, a collaboration with Dohutia aimed at fostering new talent.
Filmmaker Boby Sarma Baruah reflected on Das’s invaluable contributions as the scriptwriter for her acclaimed film Sonar Baran Pakhi, underscoring his lasting influence on Assamese cinema.
The event was attended by several luminaries, including filmmaker Sanjeev Hazarika, theatre personality Nayan Prasad, critic and journalist Bitopan Borbora, producer Samiran Deka, and filmmakers Orebam Dorendra and Munindra Bayan, alongside other close associates such as editor Diganta Bora and Jahanara Begum.
Born in Tangla, Das initially pursued dental education but left to follow his passion for cinema. Over the years, he became one of Assam’s most respected storytellers, with an impressive body of work that includes award-winning scripts for Haanduk, Sonar Baran Pakhi, and Bokul Phulor Dore. He co-directed and produced the feature film Antardhan and collaborated on thought-provoking documentaries like Where Is My Home and I Don’t Want to Be Born Again for Poem. His experimental feature film Xadhukatha, produced by Samiran Deka, is currently in post-production and highly anticipated.
The memorial event served as a poignant reminder of Bhaskar Jyoti Das’s remarkable contributions to Assamese cinema, his fearless exploration of human stories, and his passion for showcasing the cultural richness of Northeast India. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and storytellers to come.
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