GUWAHATI, March 26 � With full state honours, the mortal remains of veteran Assamese actor Indra Bania were consigned to flames at the Navagraha today.
The award-winning actor, who had won rave reviews at the international level for his acting skills, passed away last night leaving a void in the film industry.
As soon as the news of demise of the artiste spread, fans and admirers gathered at the private hospital where he had breathed his last. His body was brought to his residence at Kahilipara this morning where many from the cultural world gathered to pay their final respects.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi also offered floral tributes as a mark of respect to the departed soul.
Indra Bania�s demise has been widely mourned by the film fraternity. Filmmaker Jahnu Baruah described the actor as persevering, self-sacrificing and committed to his work. The role of �Rasheswar� that Bania had played in the award- winning film Halodhia Charaiye Baodhan Khay had earned him international acclaim and Rasheswar not only caught the attention of critics but also won the hearts of film lovers across the world, he said.
Remembering his close association with Bania, Baruah said that the actor was a part of his creative journey. �He was a hardworking man and always strived to give his best. For the role of �Rasheswar�, he worked really hard for around four months so as to portray the character of a farmer convincingly. He gave more than I had expected for the film,� recollected Baruah, adding that the film lovers across the globe loved this character. Baruah said that the upcoming artistes should learn from the example set by Bania.
The mortal remains of Bania were taken to Jyoti Chitraban and Rabindra Bhawan, where fans with tearful eyes paid their tributes to the departed soul.
�Indra Bania is an example of what a non-glamourous artiste can achieve through dedication and hard work. He is an inspiration for the new generation of artistes. Instead of running after glamour, Bania concentrated on creativity and that is why his accomplishments are so meaningful,� said artist-filmmaker Pulak Gogoi, adding that Bania was a honest and humble man.
Veteran actor Nipon Goswami said Indra Bania was a great artiste, but above all he was a very good human being. �He was helpful and lived life with a sense of humour. He made us laugh and has left us now in tears,� he said.
The cultural fraternity also acknowledged the ability of the actor to make others laugh. Veteran actor Biju Phukan, remembering the smiling face of the actor, said that he is deeply saddened by the demise.
A host of organizations condoled the death of the actor. Amarjyoti Deka, on behalf of the Producers� Council, said that the Assamese film and drama fraternity would never forget the contributions of Bania. The BJYM, Guwahati City District Committee, North East Film & Video Technicians� Association (NEFVTA), ADDA, AGP, APCC, Sadou Asam Karmachari Parishad (SAKP) and others described the demise as a great loss for the film industry.
Socio-cultural organization �Jyotirupa� also organised a condolence meeting, which was presided over by its president PG Baruah, and extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family members.