Jorhat, Oct. 10: If it was Natasurjya Phani Sarma in Tezpur and Chandra Phukan in Nagaon, it was Nandeswar Baruah in Upper Assam who were known for their epic roles in the famous drama Piyoli Phukan.

Twenty-five years after Nandeswar’s death, his son Alok took the stage at the district library here on his father’s death anniversary recently and tried to portray the “tall man of Assamese stage” by playing the role of the famous character of Piyoli, the first martyr from Assam in India’s struggle for freedom.

“I cannot match my father. He was known more as Piyoli kakaideo (brother) for essaying the character in the famous drama which he performed times without number. It was just a way to show respect to him and his love for acting,” Alok told this correspondent.

The crowd at the district library was, however, impressed with the performance of Alok and the group of 35 artistes representing Nepothya Club here, most of whom are known theatre actors in Upper Assam. One of the main attractions of the play was Pabitra Baruah, an actor in Assamese cinema, who played the role of Narayan, a servant at the Piyoli household but who was more of a friend, philosopher and guide to the freedom fighter.

Abdul Majid, veteran theatre personality of Assam, provided all necessary guidance to the troupe during their rehearsals. Nandeswar along with Abdul Majid, Tilmujur Rehman, Prasanna Goswami, Dilip Sarma and Nitraranjan Borthakur were the first to stage Piyoli Phukan in Upper Assam in 1951 under the banner of Milita Silpi Samaj.

The drama was directed by Diganta Baruah — a noted stage actor in Assam and a relative of Nandeswar .

The director said although it would be difficult to play the role of Piyoli like Nandeswar had, his son did manage to do justice to the character. “Nandeswar Baurah was a tall figure in Upper Assam during his time, be it for his voice delivery or his expressions,” he said.

It was Nandeswar’s role in Ranga Police that inspired Nip Baruah, the famous Assamese film director, to make the first Assamese film by the same name to win a national award.

“Nip Baruah was so impressed by the character in the drama played by Nandeswar Baruah that he made a film which won a national award,” Diganta Baruah said.

Pabitra Baruah said he felt privileged to get the opportunity to act in the famous play Piyoli Phukan, which was performed by such veteran and famous theatre actors in Assam in the past. “It was a fantastic experience and I enjoyed it thoroughly,” he said.