Jayanta Das and Biju Phukan in Agnisakshi

Assamese cinema has a batch of seasoned artists who, though past the hero/heroine age, even today dominate the scene in supporting roles. Biju Phukan, the evergreen actor who made his debut in Dr Bezbaruah and graduated to a hero in Baruar Sansar in the late Sixties, is undoubtedly first among equals.

An actor with an unusual face and sharp, sensitive eyes, quite contrary to chocolate-faced heroes, Biju Phukan was probably the first leading man to establish the concept of natural acting on Assamese screen. Despite having no formal training, Phukan mastered the art of behaving or reacting — not acting — in front of the camera.

It has been more than a decade since he gave up being the leading man. His first break as a senior character artist was in the popular television serial Deuta in the early Nineties. After that there was Abhiman where he stole the limelight even in the presence of two talented young faces — Tapan and Purabee. Then came I Killed Him Sir, the first mega-budget Assamese film — in which Biju Phukan showed rare maturity and brilliance. This was followed by a series of roles in loosely-scripted and poorly-edited films. Small wonder that in all these films, the flawless performances of this seasoned veteran went unnoticed.

But hope springs eternal and Phukan’s optimism this time is pinned on Agnisakshi — a film by young debutant director Jadumoni Dutta. The 40-day shooting schedule in picturesque locales in Digboi, Margherita, Duliajan, Joypur, Tirap and Tipong concluded recently. The primary editing has also been completed and dubbing is scheduled for the third week of September.

Agnisakshi is expected to attain a level above average because of the team of artistes and technicians involved in the film. Its script is by noted playwright Dilip Kumar Barua while young talented cinematographer Suman Dowerah was behind the camera. Two other trusted hands heading two important departments are Zubin Garg (music) and three-time national-awardee A. Sreekar Prasad (editing). On the acting front, of course, Biju Phukan leads the mixed team of young and senior artistes comprising Jatin Bora, Jayanta Das, Hiranya Deka, Atul Pachori and Jerifa Wahid. If the post-shooting phase goes off smoothly, Agnisakshi will be released soon.

Phukan, who, other than rendering a matchless performance in Jeuti Barua’s Bristi, had competed neck and neck (in Bhabendra Saikia’s Agnisnaan) with Shashi Kapoor in New Delhi Times for the national award for best actor in 1985. He is hoping Agnisakshi will give him “some satisfaction” in this crucial stage of his career.

Rong Sarmah