Filmmaker Manik Bora No More

The State's noted documentary film maker and writer Manik Bora left for his heavenly abode recently. He was 78 at the time of his demise.

Bora, who was born at Bhaben Gohain Path in Sivasagar, penned the popular novel 'Bairagi Bihongo' which has been aired by the All India Radio (AIR), Guwahati. He could create a separate space among the readers with his elegant presentation and exclusive use of expressive language in his novels and short stories.

A skilled cinematographer and a pioneer in documentary filmmaking on culture and heritage, Bora made several films including 'Aparoop Rangpur' which was the first Assamese aerial film shot from helicopter at Sivasagar by Nalin Duwarah. It was based on medieval monuments of Sivasagar. 'Xileo Kotha Koy' is another film by Manik Bora based on archaeological monuments.

Besides, Bora also made several documentary films including 'Madan Kamdev'. A pensioner, Manik Bora was actively involved with the Gauhati Cine Club and was associated with the Assamese monthly magazine, 'Bismoi' in the seventies as a sub-editor.

His classic novel, named 'Akow Saraighat', was based on the Assam Movement and it was written when the movement was at its peak. Bora was also the editor of popular magazine 'Rang Ghar'.

A resident of Maligaon, Manik Bora also worked in eminent filmmaker Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia's 'Sandhya Raag' (Evening Melody), as the chief assistant director. The experience enriched his thinking in various ways, as it was with this film that Bora was introduced to the various elements of cinematography.