The curtains have fallen on one of Assam’s brightest cultural luminaries. Hemanta Dutta—the celebrated playwright, lyricist, actor, director, and filmmaker—passed away on August 11, 2025, at the age of 83, leaving behind a towering legacy that spans theatre, cinema, and music. His passing marks the end of an era, yet his creations will continue to resonate for generations.

A Creative Force Who Shaped Assamese Culture

Born in the early 1940s in Kharupetia, Darrang district, Hemanta Dutta rose to prominence as one of Assam’s most prolific and versatile cultural icons.

Over his illustrious career, he penned more than 100 plays and composed over 500 songs, each steeped in Assamese ethos yet universal in appeal.

As a lyricist, Dutta worked on memorable films such as Natun Asha, Sadari, Son Moina, Jiban Surabhi, Bahagar Duporiya, Sewali, Iman Morom Kio Lage, Ei Morom Tumar Babe, Hiya Diya Niya, and Nayak.

His lyrics for Jetuka Pator Dore earned him the Assam State Film Award for Best Lyrics (2010–12) for the soulful track Biphal Sakupanire.

He also holds the distinction of writing Assamese cinema’s longest song—Bondho Koribo Haat, Bondho Koribo Maat from the film Pita Putra—a record-breaking 116-line composition.

Revolutionising Mobile Theatre In Assam

Hemanta Dutta’s influence on mobile theatre remains unparalleled. He introduced fresh narratives, grand staging, and daring adaptations to this uniquely Assamese art form.

Among his boldest feats was reimagining James Cameron’s Titanic for the mobile theatre stage—an ambitious production that drew audiences in droves.

His association with Kohinoor Theatre brought forth unforgettable plays like Eta Nasta Lorar Galpa, Path, Titanic, Hendur, Akakhor Dore Mon, Mukti, and Chakrabehu.

His ability to merge local themes with global storytelling cemented his status as a visionary in the theatre world.

Awards & Accolades

In recognition of his artistic brilliance, Hemanta Dutta was honoured with numerous prestigious awards, including:

• Bhaben Baruah Award (2017) – Conferred with the title Natyasindhu.

• Assam Saurav Award (2024) – One of the state’s highest civilian honours.

• Baan Theatre Award at the Natasurya Drama Festival (2024).

• Giyasuddin Ahmed Award for his outstanding contribution to theatre.

• Bhabendra Nath Saikia Award, Atul Chandra Hazarika Award, Guruji Adya Sarma Award, Moon Light Media Award, and Sadin-Pratidin Achievers Award.

These accolades only tell part of the story; the true measure of his impact lies in the hearts of the audiences he touched.

An Enduring Legacy

Hemanta Dutta’s works—be it his plays, his lyrics, or his cinematic contributions—will continue to inspire artists, audiences, and cultural practitioners. His songs will be hummed, his plays will be staged, and his vision will guide future generations of Assamese storytellers.

In the annals of Assamese theatre, music, and cinema, Hemanta Dutta’s name will forever be spoken with reverence. He was more than an artist; he was a bridge between tradition and modernity, between Assam and the world.

Rest in peace, Hemanta Dutta—your art lives on.

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