Biju Phukan, Tapan Bordoloi chosen for Tarun Duarah memorial award

Seasoned Assamese actor Biju Phukan and veteran artist Tapan Bordoloi have been chosen for the prestigious Tarun Duarah memorial Oil India award for the year 2012. Gauhati Artists’ Guild who instituted the award in 2009 to recognize the contribution of people in art and culture said in a press conference in Guwahati on Wednesday.

“Both Biju Phukan and Tapan Bordoloi have immensely contributed to the art and culture of the state. On the occasion we are glad to announce their names for the Tarun Duarah memorial Oil India award for 2012,” said Kishore Kumar Das, general secretary of Gauhati Artists’ Guild.

The award will be given on May 21 at an event at Rabindra Bhawan by Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi with the presence of several noted personalities. The award carries Rs 1.5 lakh, a citation and a memento.

Biju Phukan is one of the most popular faces of Assamese film industry since decades and still continues to dominate the screen with his acting. The 55 year old actor who has spent more than 30 years with the film industry started his career with Brojen Barua directed ‘Dr Bezbaruah’ in 1970. Besides, he has also tried his hand in direction in 1980s with ‘Bhai Bhai’.

On the other hand, Tapan Bordoloi has been a silent contributor to the field of art. He has served in Magadh Medical College and Gauhati Medical College Hospital as staff artist after doing his Fine Arts Graduation from Visva Bharati, Santiniketan in 1974. He was also the honorary principal of Art Class of Gauhati Artists’ Guild. He was also awarded senior fellowship in the field of visual art by the department of union ministry of culture.

Veteran artist Neel Paban Barua and Jahnu Barua were the winners of the inaugural edition of the award in 2009. In 2010, Benu Misra and musician Ramen Barua were conferred the award and in 2011senior sculptor Ramesh Ghosh and drama activist Anil Das got the award.