(From top) The actor at a function; the deserted Udeshna cinema hall in the city and the cover of the blockbuster Hiya Diya Niya album

Two decades ago, a starry-eyed young man came to the city in pursuit of his dreams. He was a “struggling actor”, trying to find a foothold in the Assamese film industry.

His “city of dreams” did not disappoint him. It helped him fulfil his aspirations and he gradually became the toast of the industry, its undisputed king.

Meet star actor Jatin Bora who carved out a niche for himself in the Assamese film industry with his very first film.

“Yes! Dreams do get fulfilled and if it is Guwahati, then they definitely do. This is my personal experience. If you are hardworking, confident and talented, Guwahati definitely gives everybody a platform to shine and blossom,” says Bora.

In the eighties, Bora often travelled to the city from his hometown, Nagaon, to shoot for serials. “I used to dream of becoming a superstar with a huge fan following and, of course, a home of my own in the city. Frankly, during those days, I could not afford to pay the rent for even a one-bedroom flat. But as I was doing several serials at that time, I had to come to the city often. So, I used to stay with my friends in the city as I shuttled between Nagaon and Guwahati,” he recalls.

Today, Bora lives in the hearts of his fans. “I am thankful to the city for giving me the opportunity to grow as an artiste and an individual,” he says.

Bora tasted success with his debut film Utarkaal (1990), made by veteran director Abdul Mazid.

Thereafter, he delivered a string of hits by teaming up with National Award-winning director Munin Baruah. The two together gave the industry blockbusters like Hiya Diya Niya (2000) and Nayak (2001).

With director Chandra Mudoi, he gave the industry its last hit Suren Suror Putek (2005).

Till date, Bora has acted in 40 feature films, including the Hindi movie Kaalsandhya (1997), directed by Bhabendra Nath Saikia.

His Juye Poora Son (2004), in which he plays the protagonist, was declared the best film on environment conservation at the 51st National Film Awards. Bora bagged the best actor award instituted by the state government in 2005.

The hugely successful and popular cinestar decided to go behind the camera for his directorial debut Adhinayak, which was released in 2006. The film received a lukewarm response at the box office, but critics appreciated Bora’s directorial skills.

“I am an actor first. But if there is a good script, I would definitely like to direct it. At the moment, I am concentrating on acting and am committed to do a few films,” he says.

The actor, however, is upset at the closure and deplorable condition of cinemas in the city. “It pains me whenever I pass by Udeshna. The cinema was doing a lot of service to our film industry by exclusively screening Assamese films. But now the deserted and forlorn hall, bereft of posters and people, is a painful sight for me,” he says. Udeshna was shut down last year. Bad business was cited as the reason behind its closure.

“We are all aware that Assamese cinema is going through a lean phase at present as films are faring poorly at the box office. Halls are closing down and there is a fall in the number of films being made in a year. What we need now is a film like Hiya Diya Niya to revive the industry,” he says. “I hope the industry immediately comes up with a film that can attract the audience to the cinemas in hordes,” he adds.

Recalling the days when he was not as busy as he is now with balancing his career and responsibilities towards his family, Bora relives the pleasure of being a regular at the party circuit.

“My mantra is work hard and party hard. I used to party a lot then. But now my workload in films and theatre, along with the duties as a married man, do not allow me to party a lot. But still, at times, I manage to hop to a party and enjoy with my friends. Parties are basically a way of relaxing and meeting your friends,” he smiles.

A staff reporter