Anupama Bhattacharjya

She has acted in Assamese films when the industry was at its nascent stage and women?s involvement in the medium met with severe criticism. Septuagenarian actress Anupama Bhattacharjya paved the way for other aspiring actresses for years to come.

As a token of respect for her contribution to the industry, she has been selected for the prestigious Aideu Handique memorial award.

?I have tremendous respect for the brave talented lady, Aideu Handique, a martyr of Assamese film industry, who not only heralded the entry of female artistes in Assamese film industry but was a person who came under attack because she challenged the dogmas of society,? says Bhattacharjya.

?Selecting me for the award of such repute is indeed an honour for me and I am happy that that my work has been considered important.?

The award will be handed over to the septuagenarian actress at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati today. The award is being conferred by the Sadou Asom Lekhika Samaroh Samiti, a women writer?s forum. It is conferred each year to a woman who epitomises the ideals of Aideu Handique, who played the female lead in the first Assamese film Joymoti. The day, December 17, is also Aideu Handique Memorial Day.

Bhattacharjya began her career with the celebrated film Siraj under the direction of Phani Sarma and Bishnu Rabha. In the film, she enacted the role of Fatema, the sister of the title character. She has acted in 12 films so far, some of which are Biplobi, Nimila Anko and Natun Prithibi.

?As far as acting is considered, like all other actors of yesteryears, my roots lie in the stage. During my schooldays in Sivasagar, I learnt under the guidance of Paroshuram Barua to my heart?s content,? she smiles.

?During those days I was offered the role of Fatema, although the whole clan of mine was against my decision to face the camera, which is generally stereotyped with the male bastion, but my parents gave me lots of support and encouragement.?

Married while an adolescent, Bhattacharjya became widow within one year of her marriage and never had the chance to visit her in-laws? place. ?When my mother wiped the vermilion from my forehead, I, in a state of unawareness, was happy to see my clean and clear face in the mirror,? she says with tears in her eyes.

She later married musician Shiva Prasad Bhattacharjya, by whom she had a daughter, the famous singer Runimi Thakur. Bhattacharjya was not only a husband and soulmate but also someone who guided her forward in her career to take tough decisions.

But tragedy struck her once again and within four years of the marriage, her husband died after prolonged illness. ?My life itself went through great upheavals. Maybe, that?s why I shone the best emoting tragic and heart-touching roles,? she feels.

Despite the personal loss, she decided to provide her daughter with good education and life. Those were the days when she worked in mobile theatres and travelled the entire length and breadth of Assam. From travelling through the rugged jungles of Lower Assam to perform in front of villagers to sleeping in straw beds, as an actress Bhattacharjya has experienced the toughest of conditions one can imagine.

?Whenever I walk down the memory lanes, one thing that immensely satisfies me is the involvement of the audience who, along with me, cry to the harshest tone. While re-living Joymoti on stage, in the scene when the British officials whip me as hard as possible, the feelings were such that I cannot describe in words,? she expresses.

Along with mobile theatres, she played many a memorable role in experimental theatres along with the doyens of Assamese theatre, Phani Sarma and Bishnu Rabha. Some of her highly acclaimed dramas are Bhogjora, Kiyo, Kashmir Kumari and others.

Showing her power-packed performances in both dramas and films, Bhattacharjya made her foray into the All India Radio station in Guwahati. ?I worked as an announcer and sometime without brushing my hair I had to rush to the station. Seeing my failing health and hardship, my daughter told me to take it easy,? she says.

An artiste who is born to be an inspiration for others in the medium of acting went on performing in several teleserials like Trikaal, Hati O Hati, Anya Ek Adhya and others.

The death of her daughter a few years back came as a big blow to the ageing lady. ?Death and loss baffles me, but seeing my grand-daughters and great-grand child growing in front of me gives me the confidence to pass my days in the their company,? she says.

She is happy that today?s women are making a statement of their own and are tremendously successful in their respective fields.

?The opportunities are there, what we need is to tap and avail of everything to the maximum and this is what I can suggest to the new generation,? she smiles.

?During my days, acting as a career was neither encouraged nor a lucrative vocation. Those who were there came only to satisfy their creative instinct and thus acting was a passion for all.?

Bhattacharjya has acted in many projects without taking a single penny and she values the goodwill and friendship of her fellow artistes and director more than anything else. ?My life itself is nothing less than a Greek tragedy, I wept, cried and lamented, but learnt one thing that never ever give up. Follow your instinct and build a path for yourself and the rest will follow you,? she smiles, throwing the football to her great grandson in her garden.