From Ajoli Nabou to Smriti, Purabi Sarma’s remarkable journey across films, television and theatre left an enduring legacy that shaped Assamese cinema for more than four decades
Guwahati: Veteran Assamese actress Purabi Sarma passed away in Guwahati on Tuesday, July 14, after suffering a cardiac arrest. She was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors declared her dead at around 7:30 pm. With her passing, Assam has lost one of its most graceful and enduring performers whose career spanned over four decades.
Born into an era when Assamese cinema was steadily finding its identity, Purabi Sarma made her film debut with Ajoli Nabou in 1980 under the direction of Nip Barua. She soon established herself as a versatile actress, while one of her early films, Ragini, went on to receive a National Award, bringing wider recognition to Assamese cinema.
Throughout her career, she portrayed memorable roles in films including Anthony Mor Nam (1986), Pita Putra (1987), Abhimaan (1990), Pahari Kanya (1991), Prabhati Pokhir Gaan (1992), Aei Morom Tumar Babe (2001), Nayak, Kanyadaan, Jiban Nadir Duti Paar, Bidhata, Hriday Kapowa Gaab, Barood, Ringa Ringa Mon, Lakhimi, Raktabeez and most recently Smriti (2025).
Beyond the silver screen, Sarma became a familiar face through television serials such as Gateway and remained actively associated with Assamese mobile theatre and cultural platforms. She also appeared alongside singer Zubeen Garg in the popular music video Jua Bosore, connecting with a younger generation of audiences.
Sarma shared the screen with some of the biggest names in Assamese cinema, including Jatin Bora, Biju Phukan, Zerifa Wahid, Kulada Kumar Bhattacharyya and Jayanta Das. Her performances were admired for their elegance, emotional depth and authenticity.
Off-screen, Purabi Sarma shared an inspiring creative partnership with her husband, noted actor, writer and director Tapan Das. Together, they became one of Assamese cinema’s most respected couples, contributing significantly to the state’s artistic and cultural landscape.
Her mortal remains were taken to her residence at Shantipur, where family members, colleagues, admirers and members of the film fraternity gathered to pay their last respects.
Purabi Sarma’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Assamese cinema. Yet through the characters she brought to life and the generations of artists she inspired, her legacy will continue to illuminate the cultural history of Assam for years to come.
