Moloya Goswami: A Journey Through Theatre, Film, and Academia

The late Budhin Sarma, the director of our play, played a crucial role in shaping my early journey in acting. He taught us the nuances of performance, and after watching me act, he was impressed. He called our group together to make some changes to the play, ultimately assigning me the lead role. Our performance was well received by both the audience and the judges. That year, I was honored with the Best Actress award from Handique Girls’ College, a feat I repeated the following year.

Moloya Goswami is a celebrated actor from Assam, widely recognized for her outstanding performance in the film Firingoti (Spark), which earned her widespread acclaim. In 1992, she won the Best Actress Award at the 39th National Film Awards. Since her debut, she has continuously mesmerized audiences with her acting prowess. Alongside her acting career, she also served as a lecturer in Education at Jagiroad College.

Excerpts from an interview with Moloya Goswami:

Tell us about yourself, your family, and your educational background.

I come from the esteemed Rajkhowa family of Sivasagar. I was born in Dibrugarh and grew up with my parents and elder sister. Due to my father’s transferable job at the Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB), we moved frequently. When he was posted in Nagaon, our family relocated there, and that’s where my schooling began. My early education was quite informal—I would simply follow my sister to school, and that’s how I got admitted.

Later, when I was in Class 4 or 5, we moved to Guwahati, where I continued my education at TC Girls’ School. I went on to complete my graduation from Handique Girls’ College and pursued my Master’s in Education at Gauhati University.

How did you develop an interest in acting? Who was your biggest inspiration?

My interest in acting grew during my student years, though I never initially saw myself performing on stage. My first experience in drama was during my school’s Silver Jubilee celebration, where our group staged a play written by Aarati Das from All India Radio. It was all in good fun—we mainly wanted our parents to watch us perform. However, I vividly remember asking my mother about my performance, and she told me she could barely hear my voice. Back then, we had to speak directly into a stand microphone, which was a challenge. At the time, I never imagined I would one day take acting seriously.

In college, my journey took a significant turn. In my second year, a few friends from the Philosophy Department decided to stage a play for the college week competition. Since they were all Philosophy majors, they were hesitant to include me in their group. However, they needed someone to play a specific role, and I volunteered. Fortunately, I was given the part.

The late Budhin Sarma was our director, and he meticulously guided us through the performance. After watching my act, he was pleased and decided to make some changes to the play, ultimately assigning me the lead role. Our play received immense appreciation, and I was awarded Best Actress at Handique Girls’ College. The following year, I won the title again. This experience was a turning point for me.

Later, while studying at Gauhati University, I was approached by the cultural group New Art Players to act in Uterkhita Mallika, an Assamese adaptation of Mohan Rakesh’s Hindi play Ashadh Ka Ek Din. This was my first step into serious stage acting. My family, especially my father, was incredibly supportive—he would accompany me to rehearsals and performances.

During my time in theatre, I had the privilege of working with notable personalities such as Debo Kumar Nath, Arup Chakraborty, Satya Prasad Baruah, Narayan Bezbaruah, Sambhu Gupta, and Girish Choudhury. I gained invaluable experience from them and performed in several plays, including Lobhita, Mrinal Bahini, and Palashor Rong.

I can’t pinpoint a single person who inspired me to pursue acting. It wasn’t a planned career; rather, it felt like something inherent in me. However, my family’s unwavering support played a crucial role in my journey.

You have acted in some acclaimed films. Can you share your experience?

My entry into films happened relatively late. Although I received offers earlier, my mother was quite apprehensive about me joining the film industry. While my parents never outright forbade me, they were concerned.

Eventually, I was offered a role by the late Bhabendra Nath Saikia in his film Agnisnaan, based on his novel Antareep. I played the lead role of Menaka, and my husband’s family encouraged me to take it up. Agnisnaan became a masterpiece, and I was nominated for Best Actress at the National Awards, though I didn’t win.

My second film was Maa, followed by Jahnu Barua’s Firingoti, which won me the prestigious National Award for Best Actress in 1992.

Which role has been the most satisfying for you? Do you believe you did full justice to it?

As an artist, I always strive to do justice to the characters I portray. Whether or not I have succeeded is for my audience to decide.

When I played Menaka in Agnisnaan, I didn’t just act—I tried to become the character. True satisfaction in acting comes from knowing you have met the expectations of your audience. Every role I take on is a challenge, and my goal is always to deliver my best.

You were also a lecturer at Jagiroad College. Can you share your experience as a teacher?

Teaching was a defining part of my life. I worked in the Education Department at Jagiroad College, and my students were like my own children. The satisfaction I derived from teaching was unparalleled.

I retired from Jagiroad College, but the identity it gave me is just as valuable as my acting career. I still cherish the day I won the National Award in 1992—the entire college celebrated my achievement. It was a heartwarming experience that I will never forget. Even today, when I meet former students, they embrace me with warmth and affection, which is incredibly fulfilling.

Tell us about your awards and achievements.

Awards are a form of recognition for one’s hard work. I never worked with the goal of winning awards, but receiving appreciation, whether through words or accolades, is always encouraging.

The National Award for Best Actress remains the most memorable milestone in my career. Recently, I was honored by the Assamese community in Houston, USA. I have also received the Prag Cine Award, Joymoti Award, Aideo Handique Memorial Award, Bina Prasad Award, and the Leo Advertising Award, among others.

What are your current projects?

Since retiring, I have worked in several television serials. Currently, I am part of the entertainment show Spondon on NKTV. I recently appeared in Eti Tumar, a film by Parvez Ahmed, where I had a guest role.

I am also enjoying working with young filmmakers like Himjyoti Talukdar (Calendar), Mrinmoy Saikia, and Nibir Barua. The younger generation is incredibly talented, and collaborating with them has been a learning experience for me as well.

Any advice for newcomers in the industry?

There isn’t much to advise because the new generation is already utilizing emerging platforms like OTT, web series, and social media to showcase their talent. They are serious about their craft and understand how to market their work.

I simply hope they continue to create meaningful content and gain the recognition they deserve.

Any final words for our readers?

The Sentinel has earned a strong reputation over the years by delivering content that resonates with its readers. I hope it continues to uphold its commitment to quality journalism.

This version maintains the essence of the original but enhances clarity, readability, and flow. Let me know if you'd like any refinements! 😊

Also Read: Importance of Potassium

Also Watch: