Guwahati: The prestigious Roopkar Awards, instituted in memory of cine-journalist and litterateur Pabitra Kumar Deka, were awarded to writer-film critic Utpal Datta (2023) and actor-filmmaker Sanjeev Hazorika (2024) at a ceremony held at the Pabitra Kumar Deka Archive.
Established in 2011, the Roopkar Awards are presented biennially to honor significant contributions to cinema and cultural journalism. The awards were handed over by renowned fine arts artist Chandan Chutia.
Utpal Datta, known for his acclaimed film By Lane 2, shared how Pabitra Kumar Deka’s encouragement helped shape his career. Sanjeev Hazorika, reflecting on his journey, credited Deka for his early inspiration in cultural journalism.
The event, hosted by cine-journalist Bidyut Kumar Bhuyan, included tributes from luminaries like Dilip Chandan, Moinul Haque, and Mrinal Kumar Bora, all of whom shared anecdotes about Deka’s influence on their careers.
The gathering, attended by cultural stalwarts, celebrated Pabitra Kumar Deka’s enduring legacy in Assamese cinema and journalism, inspiring future generations to contribute to the field.
