Celebrating Excellence in Assamese Cinema and Journalism: Roopkar Awards 2023 and 2024 honour Utpal Datta and Sanjeev Hazorika, shining a spotlight on cultural contributions inspired by Pabitra Kumar Deka's legacy. The #Newsdesk reports…

The Roopkar Awards, a biennial tribute to the legendary cine-journalist Pabitra Kumar Deka, honoured Utpal Datta and Sanjeev Hazorika for their outstanding contributions to Assamese cinema and cultural journalism. Instituted in 2011, these prestigious awards recognize impactful storytelling and journalistic excellence. Held on January 5, 2024, at the Pabitra Kumar Deka Archive, the event celebrated the enduring legacy of Roopkar magazine, a cornerstone of Assamese cultural heritage. This year’s awards, presented by artist Chandan Chutia, highlighted the achievements of Datta, a celebrated film critic and filmmaker, and Hazorika, a renowned actor-director, drawing luminaries from across the industry to pay tribute.

The prestigious Roopkar Awards, established in memory of the distinguished cine-journalist and litterateur Pabitra Kumar Deka, were recently conferred upon eminent writer-film critic Utpal Datta (2023) and renowned actor-filmmaker Sanjeev Hazorika (2024). The awards ceremony, held on January 5 at the Pabitra Kumar Deka Archive, brought together stalwarts from the fields of cultural journalism and cinema in a heartfelt celebration of their contributions.

Instituted in 2011, the Roopkar Awards honour individuals who have made significant contributions to cinema and cultural journalism, reflecting the values and vision of Pabitra Kumar Deka. The awards, presented biennially, are a testament to Deka’s role as a pioneer in Assamese cultural journalism. This year, the honours were presented by Chandan Chutia, a celebrated fine arts artist from Assam, adding a touch of artistic grace to the occasion.

Reflections from the Awardees

Utpal Datta, a distinguished film critic and writer, has long been an advocate for thoughtful cinema. Known for his directorial debut By Lane 2, inspired by Pabitra Kumar Deka’s life and works, Datta’s contributions extend beyond criticism into filmmaking. Upon receiving the award, Datta said, “Despite being surrounded by many accomplished writers, Pabitra Kumar Deka always encouraged fresh voices like us to contribute to Roopkar magazine. Roopkar was more than just a publication; it was a school for cultural journalism.” His debut film has earned acclaim at international film festivals, cementing his place as a multifaceted cultural contributor.

Sanjeev Hazorika, an acclaimed filmmaker and actor, has also left a profound impact on Assamese cinema. With a career spanning decades, Hazorika’s work reflects a deep engagement with storytelling and performance. Reflecting on his relationship with Deka, Hazorika shared, “His guidance was pivotal in shaping my journey. Contributing to Roopkar was not just an opportunity but an honour.” His contributions have been pivotal in bringing Assamese stories to the forefront of Indian cinema.

A Gathering of Tributes

Hosted by cine-journalist Bidyut Kumar Bhuyan, the event was a platform for heartfelt tributes and anecdotes from prominent personalities. Dilip Chandan, editor of Asam Bani and a well-known writer, recalled his transformative early interactions with Deka. “Meeting him was transformative for my career as a cine-journalist. My first novel, Majulit Atiya Gadhuli, was published in Roopkar,” he shared.

Mime artist Moinul Haque brought a touch of humor with his anecdote about seeking life advice from Deka along with the late actor Jayanta Das. Film critic Nayan Prasad recounted his entry into cultural journalism, crediting Deka for his encouragement. Journalist Mrinal Kumar Bora echoed similar sentiments, attributing his confidence to Deka’s mentorship.

The ceremony was attended by luminaries such as Rana Deka, Hemanta Kumar Das, Namrata Datta, Montu Saikia, Amardeep Gogoi, and Hemanta Debnath, among others. Each shared anecdotes and reflections, painting a vivid picture of Pabitra Kumar Deka’s enduring influence on Assamese journalism and cinema.

As the event concluded, the legacy of Pabitra Kumar Deka and the spirit of Roopkar magazine were celebrated as milestones in cultural journalism and as guiding lights for aspiring contributors.