Born in Bihdia village in Kamrup district, Assam, Nip Barua was the son of Chandranath Baruah, a Sub-Divisional Officer in the Revenue Department, and Jonaprabha Baruah. He belonged to a large and culturally rich family that later became deeply associated with Assamese cinema. Among his siblings were notable figures such as Brajen Barua and Ramen Barua, who also contributed significantly to Assamese films and music.

Early Life and Education

Nip Barua spent his early years in Guwahati, where he studied at Cotton Collegiate High School. His academic journey was diverse and exploratory. He briefly joined the Engineering Institute and later went to Baroda to study architecture. Eventually, he returned to Assam and enrolled at Cotton College to pursue science. However, his passion for creativity and artistic expression gradually drew him away from formal education.

From a young age, Nip Barua showed interest in multiple artistic fields. He was an accomplished football player and played as a centre forward for Maharana Athletic Club. He even captained the Assam football team in the Santosh Trophy. His sports discipline later reflected in his organized and meticulous approach to filmmaking.

Apart from sports, he was actively involved in painting, stage design, music, and cartooning. He worked as a cartoonist for The Assam Tribune and designed unique typefaces that were used in publications. His creative versatility set him apart as a multifaceted personality.

Entry into Cinema

Nip Barua began his cinematic journey without formal training in filmmaking. His passion for theatre led him to write and stage plays at Kumar Bhaskar Natya Mandir in Guwahati. One of his most successful plays, Smritir Parash, received tremendous appreciation from audiences. Encouraged by its success, he decided to adapt it into a film.

In 1956, Smritir Parash was released, marking his directorial debut. The film became the fourteenth Assamese feature film and signified a new direction in regional cinema. It featured memorable songs and a strong emotional narrative that connected deeply with viewers.

Major Films Directed by Nip Barua

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Nip Barua directed a total of 15 Assamese films and 2 Bengali films. His major directed films include:

• Smritir Parash (1956)

• Mak Aru Morom (1957)

• Ronga Police (1958)

• Bhakta Prahlad (1959)

• Amar Ghar (1961)

• Norakasur (1962)

• Baruar Sansar (1970)

• Sonatora (1973)

• Sonoma (1978)

• Azali Nabou (1980)

• Ai Mor Janame Janame (1980)

• Kakadeuta Nati Aru Hathi (1984)

• Shakuntala Aru Shankar Joseph Ali (1985)

• Dadu Nati O Hathi (1986, Bengali)

• Anthony Mor Nam (1986)

His films mainly focused on family, social values, emotional relationships, and cultural identity. He believed that cinema should entertain while staying rooted in Assamese traditions.

Awards and National Recognition

Nip Barua achieved significant national recognition for Assamese cinema.

• Mak Aru Morom (1957) received the Certificate of Merit at the 5th National Film Awards.

• Ronga Police (1958) won the President's Silver Medal at the 6th National Film Awards in 1959.

These awards brought prestige to Assam and proved that regional films could compete at the national level. Ronga Police was particularly praised for its socio-political theme centered around an honest police officer and the struggles faced by his family.

Innovation in Assamese Cinema

Nip Barua was ahead of his time in experimenting with new ideas. Smritir Parash was one of the first Assamese films to include Hindi songs and a full Bihu dance sequence. This broadened the appeal of Assamese films beyond regional boundaries.

He also introduced:

• The first club song in Assamese cinema in Amar Ghar

• The first use of the Happy Birthday song in Baruar Sansar

• A complete English song in Sonoma

He later dubbed some of his Assamese films into Bengali to expand the market reach. The Bengali version of Sonoma titled Moni Maa was released in Kolkata theatres, marking a milestone in cross-regional film distribution.

Acting and Production

Apart from directing, Nip Barua also acted in several of his films. His performance in Sonoma is particularly remembered. He approached acting with natural expression and deep understanding of character psychology.

He believed that a film must recover its production costs before thinking about artistic recognition. His practical approach ensured that most of his films were commercially successful. Producers trusted his judgment because he carefully planned budgets, schedules, and release dates.

Contribution to Music and Culture

Music played a crucial role in Nip Barua's films. Many songs in his movies were written by Keshab Mahanta and composed by Ramen Barua. The melodies blended traditional Assamese folk elements with cinematic appeal.

He also contributed to Assamese culture beyond cinema. He designed artistic emblems and is credited with early designs associated with Bihu celebrations. His creativity extended into visual arts, stage design, and typography.

Legacy and Influence

Between 1956 and 1988, Nip Barua set an unmatched record for directing the highest number of Assamese films by a single filmmaker. He laid the foundation for mainstream, entertainment-oriented Assamese cinema.

His films successfully balanced emotional storytelling, strong music, and audience engagement. Many later filmmakers drew inspiration from his methods of understanding public taste.

Nip Barua passed away on 25 July 1991, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Today, he is remembered as one of the pioneers who transformed Assamese cinema into a commercially sustainable industry.

His contribution remains significant not only for the number of films he directed but also for his vision, innovation, and dedication to Assamese culture.

FAQs on Nip Barua

1. Who was Nip Barua?

Nip Barua was a renowned Assamese film director, producer, actor and pioneer of commercial Assamese cinema.

2. When was Nip Barua born?

He was born in Bihdia village, Kamrup district, Assam.

3. How many films did Nip Barua direct?

He directed 15 Assamese films and 2 Bengali films.

4. Which was Nip Barua's first film?

His first film was Smritir Parash released in 1956.

5. Did Nip Barua win National Awards?

Yes, his films Mak Aru Morom and Ronga Police received national recognition.

6. What is Nip Barua famous for?

He is famous for pioneering commercially successful Assamese cinema.

7. Was Nip Barua also an actor?

Yes, he acted in several of his films including Sonoma.

8. What awards did Ronga Police win?

Ronga Police won the President's Silver Medal at the National Film Awards.

9. Did Nip Barua contribute to Assamese music?

Yes, music was an essential part of his films and he worked closely with notable composers and lyricists.

10. When did Nip Barua pass away?

He passed away on 25 July 1991.