Assamese Actress Chetana Das – Biography, Career, Theatre Journey & Achievements

Chetana Das – The Comedy Queen of Assamese Theatre and Cinema

From a very young age, Chetana Das showed a natural inclination toward acting. While still studying in school, she performed the role of Khuji Buri in the famous Assamese drama Sonit Kuwori. This early performance revealed her exceptional talent in portraying character roles with depth and emotional balance. Her dedication and discipline earned her recognition early in life when she received the Best Actress Award in 1965 while representing Tezpur Multipurpose Girls' School.

She completed her graduation from Darrang College, Tezpur, where her passion for theatre continued to grow stronger. During her college years, she actively participated in drama festivals and gained critical appreciation for her stage performances. In 1972, she represented Darrang College at the Gauhati University drama festival and won the Gold Medal for her performance in the play Sihot Namare, written by Prafulla Bora. This achievement firmly established her reputation as a talented theatre artist.

Chetana Das worked with some of the most legendary names in Assamese theatre, including Chandra Dhar Goswami, Natasurya Phani Sharma, and Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha. Her performances in plays such as Siraj, Chanakya, Nagaraj Basuki, and Mahijibi displayed her versatility and command over both serious and comic roles. She had a rare ability to connect with audiences across age groups, making her performances memorable.

In 1975, she participated in the play Fatima Bibi's Ghar, which was staged at Rashtrapati Bhavan and I.I.F.A.C. Hall in New Delhi. This milestone marked her entry into national-level recognition. The same year, she officially joined the Drama Section of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, as a theatre artist. This role allowed her to perform across various districts of Assam, promoting regional culture and theatre traditions.

One of her most notable stage roles was the character of Bagi in Brikshar Khoj, a play written by Atul Bordoloi and Dulal Roy. The play was staged more than 50 times across India, including performances at Shriram Centre in Delhi. Her role as the grandmother in Upapath, written by Prafulla Bora, was also widely praised for its emotional depth and realism.

Apart from theatre, Chetana Das actively participated in folk dance and music festivals. She represented Assam at the All India Folk Music Festival held in Kolkata and later performed at the SAARC Folk Dance Festival. Her performances at the Konark Folk Dance Festival at the Sun Temple in Bhubaneswar highlighted her dedication to preserving Assamese folk traditions.

In addition to live performances, she also appeared in a dance-drama directed by Rudra Barua that was telecast on Doordarshan, further expanding her reach to television audiences. Her involvement in the National School of Drama workshops enhanced her understanding of modern theatrical techniques while remaining rooted in traditional storytelling.

Chetana Das also explored cinema and became a familiar face in Assamese films, especially known for her comic timing and character roles. Her ability to blend humor with social messages made her performances impactful and relatable. Audiences admired her natural expressions and authentic portrayal of everyday Assamese characters.

In 1995, she completed a Film Appreciation Course under the guidance of renowned filmmaker Jahnu Barua. This experience broadened her artistic vision and understanding of cinema as a medium. Beyond acting, she trained in Zikir under Rekibuddin Ahmed and in dance under Narendra Sharma, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning even after decades in the industry.

Despite personal challenges, including the loss of her husband Bimaladanda Das during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Chetana Das remained a symbol of resilience and strength. Her life journey reflects dedication, passion, and an unwavering love for Assamese culture.

Today, Chetana Das is remembered as an icon of Assamese theatre and cinema. Her contributions have inspired generations of artists and continue to influence Assam's cultural landscape. She stands as a shining example of how art can preserve identity, entertain audiences, and create lasting social impact.

Notable Plays Performed by Chetana Das

Chetana Das delivered memorable performances in a wide range of Assamese, Indian, and international stage productions. Some of the most notable plays she acted in include:

• Ahar by Arun Sharma

• Janma by Mahendra Barthakur

• Shuna Janmejay staged by Adya Rongachari

• Bhotai Deka by Sarada Bordoloi

• Eti Cholar Kahini by Ali Haidar

• Lily O Lily by Harendra Nath Bhuyan

• Arms and the Man by G. B. Shaw

• Abhar Bridge by Prabin Phukan

• Maharaja by Satish Bhattacharya

• Parashuram by Arun Sharma

Radio Plays Broadcast on Akashvani (All India Radio)

Chetana Das also made a strong impact through radio drama, showcasing her vocal expression and dramatic depth on Akashvani.

• Govardhan Charit
  Role: Maina
  Playwright: Tarun Saikia
  Year: 1976
  Director: Nilu Chakravarty

• Kathphula
  Role: Bedona
  Playwright: Abdul Malik
  Director: Dhiru Bhuyan

• Maina Sangbad
  Playwright: Tarun Saikia
  Note: Selected among the best plays in the All India Radio Drama Competition

Plays Directed by Chetana Das

Apart from acting, Chetana Das successfully directed several acclaimed theatre productions, contributing as a creative leader.

• Ajin Patki by Dinesh Sharma

• Majoni by Jeuti Bora

• Pohor by Basanta Khoundikar

• Mahe Gun Gun Kare by Lakshminandan Bora

• Prajapati Nibandhan directed and conceptualized by Chetana Das

Filmography of Chetana Das (Year-wise)

• 1973 – Titash Ekti Nadir Naam (A River Named Titash)

• 1973 – Banoriya Phool (Forest Flower)

• 1973 – Abhijaan (The Mission)

• 1976 – Surya Grahan

• 1978 – Kallol (The Wave)

• 1980 – Indira

• 1980 – Ajali Nabou (Innocent Sister-in-Law)

• 1984 – Manik Raitong (Manik the Miserable)

• 1984 – Kokadeuta Nati Aru Hathi (Grandfather, Grandson and Elephant)

• 1985 – Agnisnaan (Ordeal / Bath in Fire)

• 1986 – Papori

• 1988 – Kolahal (The Turmoil)

• 1992 – Phiringoti (The Spark)

• 1994 – Mimangsa (The Verdict)

• 1995 – I Killed Him, Sir

• 1996 – Adajya (The Inflammable)

• 1998 – Dil Se.. (From Heart)

• 2000 – Hiya Diya Niya

• 2001 – Daag (The Spot)

• 2002 – Kanyadaan

• 2004 – Kadambari

• 2004 – Rongmon

• 2005 – Suren Suror Putek

• 2016 – Doordarshan Eti Jantra (Television a Machine)

• 2017 – Ishu

• 2019 – Ratnakar

• 2022 – Bandita Bora

Other Achievements and Honors

• Acted in the Hindi television serial Kamrup Ki Kahani, expanding her reach beyond regional cinema

• Honored with the Dr. Ambedkar Award for her outstanding contribution to Assamese culture

• Received the Moonlight Media Special Jury Award for her acclaimed performance in Hiya Diya Niya

Cultural Centres and Theatre Groups Associated With

Chetana Das has been actively associated with numerous cultural and theatre institutions across Assam:

• Mitali Kala Kendra

• Akyatan

• Bharatiya Gana Natya Sangha

• Saubhik

• Natshala

• Pragati

• Samaloy

• New Art Players

• Manchalok

• Barpeta Phukan Natya Mandir

• Milan Mandir

• Sivasagar Natya Mandir

• Kamrupiya Sanatan Dharma Mandali

• Shrigaal

• Ban Theatre

• Majgaon Shankar Mandir

FAQs on Chetana Das