The prestigious Roopkar Awards, established in memory of the distinguished cine-journalist and litterateur Pabitra Kumar Deka, were conferred upon eminent writer-film critic Utpal Datta and renowned actor-filmmaker Sanjeev Hazorika for the years 2023 and 2024, respectively. The awards ceremony occurred on January 5 at the Pabitra Kumar Deka Archive, in a gathering that celebrated cultural journalism and filmmaking.
Instituted in 2011 to honour the legacy of Pabitra Kumar Deka, the Roopkar Awards are presented biennially to individuals who have made significant contributions to cinema and cultural journalism. This year, the honours were presented by Chandan Chutia, a celebrated fine arts artist from the state.
Reflections on Roopkar and Its Founder
Upon receiving the award, Utpal Datta, known for his contributions to film criticism and his directorial debut By Lane 2, reflected on the influence of Pabitra Kumar Deka in nurturing young talent. “Despite being surrounded by many accomplished writers, Pabitra Kumar Deka always encouraged fresh voices like us to contribute to Roopkar magazine. Roopkar was more than just a publication; it was a school for cultural journalism,” Datta said. His debut film, inspired by Deka’s life and works, has earned acclaim at several international film festivals.
Sanjeev Hazorika, an acclaimed filmmaker and actor, also expressed his gratitude, reminiscing about how Deka’s encouragement led him to contribute to Roopkar. “His guidance was pivotal in shaping my journey,” Hazorika remarked.
Tributes and Anecdotes from Luminaries
The event, hosted by cine-journalist Bidyut Kumar Bhuyan, saw heartfelt tributes from prominent figures. Dilip Chandan, editor of Asam Bani and a well-known writer, recalled his early interactions with Pabitra Kumar Deka during his student days. “Meeting him was transformative for my career as a cine-journalist. My first novel, Majulit Atiya Gadhuli, was published in Roopkar,” he shared.
Mime artist Moinul Haque provided a lighter moment, recounting a humorous episode involving himself and late actor Jayanta Das seeking life advice from Deka. Nayan Prasad, a noted film critic, shared his memories of becoming acquainted with Deka and his subsequent foray into writing. Journalist Mrinal Kumar Bora reminisced that Deka’s encouragement gave him the confidence to connect with notable personalities in the field.
A Gathering of Cultural Stalwarts
The intimate function was graced by several luminaries, including Rana Deka, Hemanta Kumar Das, Namrata Datta, Montu Saikia, Amardeep Gogoi, and Hemanta Debnath, among others. Attendees shared anecdotes and reflections, weaving a rich tapestry of memories that underscored Pabitra Kumar Deka’s lasting impact on Assamese cultural journalism and cinema.
As the event drew to a close, the legacy of Pabitra Kumar Deka and the spirit of Roopkar magazine were celebrated as milestones in journalism and as beacons for aspiring cultural contributors.
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