Veteran Assamese Actress Ranjana Sharma Bordoloi Passes Away at 80

Pioneer of Assamese Cinema Ranjana Sharma Bordoloi Leaves a Rich Cultural Legacy

Veteran Assamese actress Ranjana Sharma Bordoloi , a celebrated name in the golden era of Assamese cinema, passed away in Dibrugarh at the age of 80 . Her demise marks the end of a significant chapter in Assam’s cultural history, as she was among the pioneering women who entered films during the 1960s and 1970s, a period when acting was still socially discouraged for women.

A Distinguished Film Career

Ranjana Sharma Bordoloi earned wide acclaim for her roles in several landmark Assamese films. Her notable works include Maniram Dewan (1964), Pratidhwani (1964), Loti-Ghoti (1966), Morom Trishna (1968), Dr Bezbarua (1969), Ratanlal (1975), Sonmai (1977), and Kokadeuta Nati aru Hati (1983). Through these films, she became a familiar and respected face, contributing significantly to the artistic growth of Assamese cinema during its formative decades.

Contributions Beyond the Silver Screen

Beyond films, Bordoloi was a versatile cultural personality. She was a trained classical dancer , proficient in Bharatanatyam and other Indian dance traditions. She also made important contributions to theatre and radio , acting in numerous stage productions and radio plays for All India Radio . She collaborated with legendary cultural figure Bhupen Hazarika and was a founding member of the theatre group Mancharupa , established in 1957, which played a key role in Assam’s theatrical movement.

Honours and Recognition

In recognition of her lifelong service to Assamese arts and culture, she was conferred the Bishnu Rabha Award by the Assam government. She was also an artist pensioner , acknowledging her enduring contribution to the state’s cultural heritage.

What to Note for Exams?

• Ranjana Sharma Bordoloi was a leading Assamese actress of the 1960s–70s

• Bishnu Rabha Award is a prestigious cultural honour of Assam

• Dr Bezbarua (1969) is a landmark Assamese film

• Bhupen Hazarika was a major figure in Assam’s cultural renaissance

Last Rites and Legacy

Her mortal remains were taken to prominent cultural institutions in Dibrugarh, including Amolapatty Natya Mandir and Dibrugarh Sangeet Vidyalaya , founded by her family, before cremation. Tributes from across Assam described her as a trailblazer whose courage and artistry continue to inspire generations.