Ela Kakoty: The Forgotten Queen of Assamese Cinema
From the 1970s to the 1980s, actress Ela Kakoty became a beloved figure among countless viewers of her generation for her captivating performances in Assamese films. Although younger generations may not be as familiar with her, many Assamese films starring Ela Kakoty as the lead actress gained immense popularity during that time.
Ela Kakoty was born in 1953 into a family that played a pivotal role in popularizing Sattriya culture in Majuli. Her father, Charu Kakoty, was a freedom fighter and cultural activist. Additionally, Ela Kakoty's grandfather, Bhola Kakoty, was a renowned stage, screen, and radio artist who appeared in approximately 14 films from the 1950s to the 1980s. He also served as the President of the Bangshigopal Natya Mandir in Garamur, Majuli, for an extended period.
In the 1960s, under the guidance of Bapuram Bayan Atai, a leading exponent of Sattriya dance, Sattriya dance education was formally established at Bangshigopal Natya Mandir, which has since celebrated its centenary. Bhola Kakoty and his son played a crucial role in promoting Sattriya culture by organizing Sattriya dance troupes to various parts of India and inviting eminent personalities to Majuli to experience its Raas and Sattriya traditions.
Raised in an enriching cultural environment in Majuli, Ela Kakoty became a skilled Sattriya dancer at a young age and also excelled in acting. In fact, she impressed audiences with her performance as Urvashi in the play "Sampoorno Mahabharata," written and directed by Abdul Majid and presented by the socio-cultural organization Milita Shilpi Samaj. The play created quite a sensation in Jorhat during the 1960s, with the role of Sri Krishna being portrayed by a young Prasanta Hazarika.
Impressed by her dancing abilities, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika selected Ela Kakoty for his film "Chikmik Bijuli" (1969), specifically for a classical Sattriya dance sequence. Interestingly, Ela Kakoty's grandfather Bhola Kakoty shared a close friendship with Bhupen Hazarika. Subsequently, Ela Kakoty traveled to Kolkata with her family to participate in the dance sequence.
Two years later, in 1971, Dibon Barua's "Jug-Biyug," featuring Ela Kakoty as the lead actress, was released. A significant portion of the film's shooting took place in Garamur Satra, a place of rich cultural heritage and religious importance. The residents of Satranagari were delighted to learn that director Dibon Barua had chosen a young woman from Majuli for the heroine's role. "Jug-Biyug" gained immense popularity upon its release, becoming a huge success and catapulting Ela Kakoty to household fame.
Following the success of "Jug-Biyug," Ela Kakoty continued to act in Assamese films such as "Bhaiti," "Bonoriya Phool," "Abhijaan," "Xuntora," "Rashmirekha," "Parinam," "Bristi," "Dharmakai," "Sunor Horin," "Ajali Nabou," "Raja Harischandra," "Raja," and "I Love You."
Ela Kakoty garnered the attention of critics and fans alike with her subtle, natural performance in an unconventional role in Deuti Barua's memorable classic "Bristi," released in 1974. This film further solidified her reputation as one of the most talented actresses in Assamese cinema. "Ajali Nabou," a remake of the 1980 Bengali film "Bhangagarah," is considered a significant milestone in Ela Kakoty's film career.
In 1980, director Dibon Barua's film "Raja Harishchandra" starred Ela Kakoty's husband, the popular actor Prasanta Hazarika, in the titular role. Ela Kakoty played the role of his wife, Shaivya. However, the role that left a lasting impression on the public's memory was her eponymous title character in Nip Barua's "Ajali Nabou," also released in 1980.
Like many of her roles, Ela Kakoty embodied the innocent, naive, self-sacrificing, and perfect daughter-in-law with a self-effacing smile that radiated throughout the film. People still fondly remember that enduring smile. The first Assamese film to be shot in Eastman color, "Ajali Nabou," featuring a star-studded cast, became a massive hit and remains etched in the memories of an older generation.
Audiences were deeply moved by the film's portrayal of basic human values such as love, affection, and social and familial ties. The songs, composed by renowned music director Ramen Barua, produced some of the biggest hits in Assamese cinema. Ajali Nabou was the eldest daughter-in-law of a joint family comprising four brothers. An ideal daughter-in-law, an ideal housewife, a considerate and simple woman, Ajali Nabou devoted herself wholeheartedly to the well-being of her family.
Despite the positive atmosphere at home, the family soon faced disintegration and crumbled. As her house, which she had worked so hard to maintain, teetered on the brink of destruction, the elder daughter-in-law diligently worked to restore happiness and peace by making the ultimate sacrifice. Despite the presence of several seasoned artists, Ela Kakoty stood out and captured the hearts of the audience with her stunning performance. Movie fans and enthusiasts of that era are well aware of the fervent popularity and impact the film generated across Assam. People still fondly remember Ela Kakoty's cheerful, ever-smiling face.
In 1976, Ela Kakoty married popular actor, director, and producer Prasanta Hazarika. In the same year, Pathsala's Kahinoor Theatre made an impressive debut with its lavishly produced productions. Soon after their marriage, Ela Kakoty, who was at the peak of her popularity, accompanied her husband Prasanta Hazarika to perform on the Kahinoor Theatre stage for an entire session. Instead of enjoying life as a newlywed bride in her in-law's house, this popular actress toured different parts of the state and acted on the Kahinoor stage for nine consecutive months.
Capitalizing on the popularity gained through their performances on the silver screen, Prasanta Hazarika and Ela Kakoty became the first "glamour" couple to act on the mobile theatre stage. Ela Kakoty was quite impressive as the heroine in the play "Alangkar" during her first year on the Kahinoor stage. A few years later, she and her husband Prasanta Hazarika performed in the Sada Lahkar produced Aradhana Theatre, where she once again showcased her talent in plays like "Manthan" and "Priyatama." In 1986, her husband, actor, and drama director Prasanta Hazarika established Hengool Theatre in Jorhat. Both Ela Kakoty and Prasanta Hazarika impressed audiences throughout the region with their various dramas.
Ajali Nabou was brought to life once again when Ela Kakoty reprised her unforgettable screen role in the stage adaptation of the enormously popular movie "Ajali Nabou" at Hengool Theatre, captivating audiences of all ages with her stellar performance. After her husband Prasanta Hazarika passed away, Ela Kakoty took over the reins of Hengool Theatre as the chief producer. During this time, accomplished actor Robin Neog took charge of Hengool as its producer. Under Neog's leadership, the theatre presented a diverse range of plays, helping it reach new heights. It was Neog's initiative that brought National Award-winning actress Seema Biswas to perform in an Assamese play at Hengool for the first time.
Hengool Theatre is now being carried forward by Sankalpajit Hazarika, affectionately known as Bablu, who is diligently upholding the legacy of his parents Prasanta Hazarika and Ela Kakoty.
On October 3, 2003, Ela Kakoty's life journey came to an untimely end after dedicating a significant portion of her life to the world of movies and theatre. Ela Kakoty continues to live on in the hearts and minds of an earlier generation of audiences.