Purabi Sarma was a highly acclaimed and deeply loved actress who left an indelible mark across Assamese cinema, television, mobile theatre, and radio dramas. Renowned for her striking, sharp beauty and captivating screen presence, she effortlessly held her own and attracted audience attention even when sharing the screen with the industry’s biggest stars.
She made her memorable cinematic debut in director Nip Barua’s landmark 1980 film Ajoli Nabou—the first-ever Assamese Eastman Color feature film. Though it was a star-studded production, her performance immediately resonated with filmgoers. This initial success paved the way for a prolific career spanning decades, during which she became a versatile fixture in Assamese cultural life, excelling not only in acting but also in classical/creative dance.
Throughout her illustrious career, she breathed life into unforgettable characters across a multitude of iconic films, including:
With Nip Barua: Ajoli Nabou (1980), Anthony Mor Naam
With Munin Barua: Pita Putra, Barood, Pahari Kanya, Kanyadaan, Bidhata
With Sivaprasad Thakur: Ashanta Prahar, Ahir Bhairav, Son Moina
Other Notable Films: Dhiru Bhuyan’s National Award-winning Pratham Raginie (1987), Dara Ahmed’s Puja, Biju Phukan’s Bhai Bhai, Hem Bora’s Sankalpa, and Mridul Gupta’s Abhiman, alongside numerous popular video films.
Tragically, the veteran artist passed away this evening at the Marwari Maternity Hospital in Guwahati following a cardiac arrest. Her demise marks the end of an era and signifies an irreparable loss to the Assamese film and theatrical fraternity. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and our deepest condolences go out to her bereaved family.
