Artistes (from left) Kamal Rana Sarma, Nivedita Sarma, Madhurima Kakoti and (director) Kulada Kumar Bhattacharjee during the recording of the audio cassette Karengor Ligiri. (Below): The cassette cover

The birth centenary celebrations of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla, the cultural icon and doyen of Assamese film and theatre, is presently being held in different parts of the state. A host of programmes are being organised by different cultural groups to pay tribute to the sublime son of the soil. But it is disappointing to see that not a single organisation has come up with permanent projects to immortalise Rupkonwar’s works.

Discourse, deliberations, seminars, lectures, musical and dance performances have formed part of the birth centenary celebrations of a creative genius like Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla. But with the passing of time, all such efforts often fade away leaving nothing but fond memories.

Shabdajyoti, a newly-formed cultural forum, is perhaps the first and the only organisation to pay tribute to the Rupkonwar, not merely with words and speeches but with a creative endeavour. Shabdajyoti’s tribute, a two-cassette volume of the immortal play Karengor Ligiri by Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla, can be attributed as rich in the truest sense of the term. At least, the overall quality of the production clearly depicts so.

Produced by Basanta Kumar Gogoi and Prem Borgohain, the play Karengor Ligiri is directed by eminent theatre personality Kulada Kumar Bhattacharjee. With skilful editing and emotive directional brilliance, Bhattacharjee, also an acclaimed name in the arena of cinema with more than 25 documentary films to his credit, has roped in a batch of talented and experienced artistes to make the characters in the play come alive through their voices.

The artistes include Kamal Rana Sarma as Sundar Konwar, Santwana Bordoloi as Kanchanmati, Upakul Bordoloi as Bopura, Nibedita Sarma as Sewali, Pankaj Bordoloi as Sudarshan, Prankrishna Mahanta as Anangaram and Madhurima Kakoti as Rajmao.

The overall performance of the artistes is praiseworthy and the director deserves kudos for it. Kamal Rana Sarma, Santawana Bordoloi, Upakul Bordoloi and Nibedita Sarma have done justice to their roles.

Bhattacharjee also played a major role in music composition of the play. Besides producing four enchanting songs penned and tuned by the Rupkonwar himself, the director has also created a brilliant symphony by using the sarod, the sitar and the flute in melodramatic sequences.

Bhattacharjee has also honed the technical aspects, taking the sound effect in the volume to a rare height.

Musician Ramen Choudhury and audiographer Jatin Sarma were responsible for music addition and digital sound recording respectively. Poet and lyricist Kirtikamal Bhuyan assisted Bhattacharjee in the overall production.

Shabdajyoti, with such a unique and significant maiden venture, has ushered in a lot of promises. Basanta Kumar Gogoi and Prem Borgohain will have to ensure that these unsaid and unwritten promises are fulfilled.

Rong Sarmah