GUWAHATI, Oct 29 - Veteran filmmaker, artist and writer Gauri Barman passed away at his Tarun Nagar residence in the city this morning. He was 84 and had been ailing for some time. Born to Dr Lakshmi Kanta Barman and Harkanti Barman at Nalbari on March 2, 1936, Barman passed his Matriculation from Tihu High School in 1954 and got admitted to Darrang College, Tezpur. Then he joined Sir JJ College of Architecture Bombay in 1956.
He was deeply involved with his artistic pursuits from an early age and took part in art exhibitions across the country. He represented Darrang College in the solo art category at the All-India Political Conference at Tezpur in 1955, followed by one at Sir JJ College of Architecture at the centenary celebrations of the college in 1958. Jehangir Art Gallery Bombay, National Arts and Crafts Society Gallery New Delhi, AIFACS Gallery New Delhi, Langhamer Gallery Bombay, Assam Govt Art Gallery, Sudmersen Hall of Cotton College, Assam Agricultural University Gallery, District Library Tezpur, etc., were some of the venues where he had held art exhibitions.
A filmmaker of repute, Barman produced and directed seven films including Aparajeya, Hridayar Prayojan, Akon, Juge Juge Sangram, Anurag, Aponjan and Jivan Jeuti. A number of TV serials such as Bar Luitor Santan, Aghari Atmar Kahini, Chakrabehu, Patan, Sujyastar Pasot Ejak Jonaki, Jatrikar Diary and Tribhubanar Deutakor Bhuban bear the imprint of his acumen as a filmmaker. He made a number of documentaries on wide ranging subjects.
As an accomplished writer, Barman penned many volumes some of which are Biswa Bikhyat Chalachitrar Galpa, Subasita Sannidhya, Chalachittrar Adhyayan, Chalachitrar Bixoye, Mrityur Mukhor Pora, Silpakalar Kramabikash, etc. His books on cinema are replete with his deep understanding of the subject in its various facets. He used to contribute regularly to many newspapers and journals where he wrote short stories, novels and other essays.
He leaves behind his wife and a son.
His last rites were performed at Navagraha crematorium. Before that, his body was taken to Gauhati Artists� Guild to enable his admirers to pay their homage.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has condoled Barman�s death, terming it as an irreparable loss to the State�s cultural sphere. He also conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved family members.
Various organizations have also mourned Barman�s death.
