Veteran Assamese Actress Jnanada Kakati Passes Away in Shillong

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: Veteran and acclaimed Assamese actress and singer Jnanada Kakati, a pioneering figure in Assamese and Bengali cinema, passed away in Shillong last night at the age of 93. Kakati breathed her last at a private hospital in Shillong, leaving behind a daughter.

Jnanada Kakati, the nonagenarian actress at the time of her death, leaves behind a legacy that is credited with shaping the golden era of Assamese films. Her first film was Parghat in 1948. After Parghat, she acted in a number of films as the leading heroine. The films are Phani Sharma's Piyali Phukan in 1955, the first Assamese film to be honoured with the Certificate of Merit at the National Awards; Anwar Hussain's Sarapat in 1956; Bhaben Das-directed Lakhimi in 1957, Nip Barua's Ronga Police in 1958, the first Assamese film to win the President's Silver Medal for Best Feature Film at the 6th National Film Awards; Prabhat Mukherjee-directed Puberun in 1959, winner of the President's Silver Medal for Best Feature Film and the first Assamese film to be exhibited at the Berlin International Film Festival; Saila Barua's Saknoiya in 1959; Phani Sharma's Puwati Nishar Sapon in 1959; Nip Barua's Narakasur in 1961; Dev Kumar Basu's Shesh Bisar in 1971; Jiten Sarma's 'Upar Mahala in 1972; Wisekurni Bora's Priyajon in 1993) and Bidyut Chakravarty's Rag-Birag in 1996, the inaugural film in Indian Panorama, IFFI, winner of the Indira Gandhi National Award for Best First Film of a Director, National Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Editor, 1997.

Jnanada also made a name for herself in the Bengali film industry with captivating performances in films like Nilachaley Mahaprabhu, opposite the noted Bengali actor Ahindra Choudhury, Garer Math, Barma, etc.

Jnanada, born in Shillong in 1932, was the daughter of Deven Das and Biraja Das. She was married to Lohit Kakati. She was honoured with the Bishnu Rabha Award in 2002.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condoled the death of Jnanada Kakati, saying about her on social media, "Her contribution to Assamese culture will always be remembered."

Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Borah expressed deep sorrow at Jnanada Kakati's passing away, saying, "Her exceptional talent at acting will always be remembered by film lovers."

Jnanada was an accredited and regular singer at All India Radio, Shillong, and Akashvani, Guwahati.

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