Acclaimed Bodo theatre artiste Nilima Brahma passes away

From our Correspondent

KOKRAJHAR, June 8: A well-known artiste and promoter in the locality for open Bodo theatre, Nilima Brahma of South Aflagaon in Kokrajhar district died after prolonged sickness at her residence on Tuesday evening at 2.45 pm. She leaves behind her husband, a son, a daughter and grand children. She was 52.

Brahma was an active promoter of Bodo Yatragaon in the locality. To bring a new wave of revolution, particularly in open Bodo theatre which is diminishing, Somukhi Afat - a group of women artistes was founded in 1998 at her initiative. She took the responsibility of secretary of women’s artiste group and worked hard to promote the traditiol culture and Bodo theatrical activities. Several plays were staged in different parts of Kokrajhar, Chirang and Baksa district since the formation of Somukhi Afat which consists of only women artistes. Brahma not only took the leadership of the organization but she played a major role in the plays. She received applause everywhere for her talented performance and she usually played the role of king of Usura (demons).

Brahma also involved her husband Prasenjit Brahma, a high school teacher, in the drama show as promoter. Her daughter Maidangshree Brahma and son Detsung Brahma were also associated with the Bodoland Cultural Centre, Ramfalbil. Maidangshree is a strong Bagrumba dancer while Detsung a traditiol Kham player. The Bodoland Cultural Centre, Ramfalbil, has the highest honour till now in the cultural activities as they have presented traditiol Bagrumba dance in every nook and corner of the country and have participated in the Republic Day celebration in New Delhi in 2011. Both Maidangshree and Detsung were encouraged by their mother.

Nilima Brahma suffered pain in the leg which, later, made her bed ridden in 2008. Gradually, her health deteriorated and she became paralyzed. After long suffering, she expired on Tuesday evening. Playwriter Raheswar Basumatary of the same village told this correspondent that the Somukhi Afat faced problems after she suffered health problems. Expressing deep condolence, he also said the artiste team had lost an inspiring artiste.