Prantik Deka
New Assamese film : Jodi Prem Hoi Jai
The regular announcements and mohurut launches of new Assamese movies have definitely brought in new hope and vigour to an otherwise ailing in dustry. New thoughts and ideas are being explored. A number of them have both thought-provoking and mainstream elements. Looking at the variety of subjects which are being explored, one can tell that many different types of films will be hitting the screens in the year 2012 and early next year. It has been a busy year for the cinema industry.
Work on a new movie has began in real earnest. This film entitled 'Jodi Prem Hoi Jai' is being made in the digital format. The film made under the banner of X N Production is directed by Nabajyoti Saikia. Nabajyoti has directed a number of video films (Bihu and others) in the past. The story and script are also written by him. The assistant director is Prashanta Barua. Choreography and technical direction by Sonal Hazarika. Technical associate Rohini Boro.
The mohurut of 'Jodi Prem Hoi Jai' was held at the premises of Sankardev Film Studio on July 20. Veteran actor Guna Mahanta started off proceedings by breaking the auspicious coconut. While Malabika Parashar garlanded the camera, Sunmoni Bora turned on the camera switch. The film which completed it's first schedule, is videographed by Biren Das with the HD camera. A family oriented film, 'Jodi Prem Hoi Jai' stars Bidya Rao, Guna Mahanta, Jayanta Bhagawati, Malabika Parashar, Akashdeep, Paran Kamal, Jitu, Guleshwar, etc. The leading roles are played by Sanjeev and Fairypriya. The next schedule will be held in the locations of Shillong, Cherrapunji and Guwahati. If everything goes as per schedule, the film should see the light of day during the Puja festivities.
Mobile theatre group Rajtilak making brisk progress
The plays to be staged by Rajtilak in the new session promises to be both engaging and entertain ing. The theatre party courageously brings attention to socially relevant topics with thought provoking plays. The plays for 2012-13 are Nirmal Das's Sapoonor Shesh Nai' and Abhijit Bhattacharjya's 'Ronhunkar' and 'Majonir Monor Manuh'. Rajtilak stakes all it's hope of appeal on the popular pairing of its leading stars Barsharani Bishaya and Mridul Bhuyan. Both have drawn everyone's attention with their acting prowess in the on-going rehearsals at the Rajtilak camp. The other artistes include Mukib Ahmed, Niranjan Das, Dipen Bhuyan, Utpal Thakuria, Manoj Saud, Satyabrat Barua, Dipak Kalita, Bandana Deka, Priti Pathak, child artiste Ankurjyoti (Apple), etc. Plays 'Sapoonor Shesh Nai' and 'Ronhunkar' are directed by Ajay Phukan. The music for the three plays are being scored by Tarali Sarma, Dipak Barua and Umesh Nath. Popular artistes like Zubin Garg, Tarali Sarma, Jublee, Priyanka Bhorali among others will render songs for the plays.
Audio Cd : Baak Swadhinata
‘Baak Swadhinata' is the recently released new Assamese audio album which is presented with a view to create awareness among the people regarding the various social issues of Assam and also highlights some of the evergreen songs that were originally contributed by noted artistes and renowned personalities of the state. It carries some important socio-political message to it's listeners which are all focused on many regional issues such as the rights of the farmers, protest against big dams and also to mark protest against the attempts from different quarters to suppress the voice of the general public. It is said to be dedicated to Late Parag Kumar Das - a journalist and writer of Assam who raised his voice and concerns for the cause of the human rights but was later assassinated by some unsocial groups at Guwahati back in the year 1996. The audio CD 'Baak Swadhinata' comprising of eight songs was released in Guwahati Press Club by Anupama Das who is the mother of Late Parag Das in the presence of many other eminent guests. The inaugural function started after lighting of lamp following which the music album was unveiled in memory of two great martyrs of Assamese society namely Parag Das and Hirakjyoti Mahanta. The album is being co-produced by Hiranya Saikia along with Bhagyajyoti Saikia who also serves as the music director and lyricist. The music arrangement is done by Ashok Singh who has done a wonderful job and deserves good credit. Some of the songs are also composed and provided tune to it by Gopi Bordoloi who worked on three songs in the album. The various singers who had rendered their voice in the different songs are Surya Das, Jitul Sonowal, Tarali Sharma, Kallol Borthakur, Simanta Sekhar, Kalyanjit and Gopi Bordoloi. It is presented under the banner of Bhargavi Cine Productions. Some of the songs are based on the themes of popular songs like Bishnu Prasad Rabha's 'Lagan Ukali Gol' and Lakshminath Bezbarua's 'O Mur Apunar Dekh'. Some other titles like 'Aah Oi Aah' which is based on the farmer's rights, 'Tumi Akou', 'Natun Jugor' and 'Kathar Patoni' are all beautifully tuned and presented which are well eligible to leave behind a heart-touching effect and satisfaction.
Mumbai's Assam Association
The Assam Association has been promoting a harmo nious blend of our diverse culture and it's rich value with today's hi-tech, success-driven way of life. Since 1990, it is dedicated to enrich
Assamese culture in Mumbai and helping people through social services. The Assam Association, Mumbai, a nonprofit, nonpolitical, charitable, educational and cultural organization was registered under charity commissioner, Mumbai in 1990 (Regd. No. 577) in Mumbai, India. It conducts, coordinates and promotes the community, cultural and social activities among the people of Assam and North Eastern Region of India and the cultures of other parts of India. The Assam Association Mumbai holds a general election for its new executive body every two years. All the members are eligible for participating in the election and the membership is open to all, irrespective of caste, creed and religion.
The association's mission is to promote a harmonious blend of our diverse culture and rich values with today's hi-tech, fast-paced, success-driven way of life - with a view to nurturing well-balanced, exemplary new generations who will continue to be role models and enrich the world in greater measure. It is committed to sustaining and promoting Assamese culture and heritage, supporting the society we live in, and reinforcing the future generation with meaningful values.
Bihu in London Olympic
Besides sports, the month long London Olympic 2012 is also a celebration of music and culture. It coincides with 'Big Dance' which is a huge national festival of dance - part of the overall Cultural Olympiad and Olympic festivities. Eminent Bihu exponent Ranjit Gogoi and his 16-member troupe delighted the swarming crowds with their great artistry and skill during the prestigious event as part of the London Olympics. It was a meticulously choreographed show of traditional dance accompanied by the beating of hand drums. It was a moment of proud reckoning and honour for Assam. It has brought cheers to millions of people in Assam. They initially performed at a function 'Brent Celebrates the Flame', an event celebrating the torch relay held on July 25. Besides being a part of the 'Brent celebrates the Flame' on July 25, the cultural troupe also performed at the Southbank Centre, London on August 1 and 2 as a part of 'India Campaign for Olympics - 2012'. The team is now all set to go to Scotland to perform Bihu on Independence Day on August 19. This Bihu dance troupe has already been recognised in London as a popular folk dance troupe after their performance at Nehru Centre, House of Lords last year in June 2011. One of the most talented performer to ever come out of Assam, Ranjit Gogoi has been performing Bihu with great aplomb over the years. His creative ability is very evident in his choreography. He knows how to create a perfect fusion between music and dance, which is the secret of his wonderful artistry. For him it has become a mission to promote and popularise Assamese culture, dance, music, songs in western shores. His team has performed in several countries across the globe but this is really memorable. Rodali Bora, the nine year old daughter of Jitumoni and Rosy Bora of Beltola, also the youngest member of the team, said that it's a lifetime achievement for her. Ranjit Gogoi is also extremely grateful to Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for helping him with financial aid for the trip.
Audio CD : Khoj
Recently, talented new generation singer Shreyalakshmi's solo album of modern songs titled 'Khoj' (The Step) was relased at Guwahati's District Library in the presence of several eminent personalities of the State. The lyrics to all the songs besides tunes and music direction is done by singer Shreyalakshmi herself. The musical arrangement is done by the eminent musical artiste Aniruddha Barua. The release function was enriched by a delightful rendition of Saraswati Bandana by Bijoylakshmi. The audio CD presented under the banner of K V S R Wonder Entertainment was jointly released by musical artistes J P Das and Ghanakanta Deka, cine-journalist Arunlochan Das, well-known violin artiste Purabi Sarma, singer Pranabjyoti Das, secretary of Jyoti Chitraban Gitimoni Phukan and popular singer Priyanka Bhorali. Shreyalakshmi regaled the audiences with a wonderful playing of piano and music. A video clipping of one of her songs was also shown on the occasion. Shreyalakshmi whose talents permeate this album is the daughter of eminent music director Bijoylakshmi.
