The last rites of renowned veteran Assamese actor Nipon Goswami will be held on Friday at Nabagraha Cemetery in Guwahati.
A stalwart of the Assamese film industry for decades, Nipon Goswami left for heavenly abode on Thursday at at around 9.15 am at the age of 80 years. He had been admitted to the hospital on October 24 and was under treatment with an expert team of doctors monitoring his health.
However, yesterday morning, he passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. Following his demise, the mortal remains were taken to Jyoti Chitrabon Film Studio where it was kept overnight for fans, organizations and personalities from the film industry to pay their last respects.
According to reports, his body will be taken to Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra at around 9 am today. From there, his remains will be taken to Dighalipukhuri and Rabindra Bhawan. At around 11 am, he will be taken to Nabagraha Cemetery where he will be laid down for the final time.
Since news broke in of Nipon Goswami's passing away, tributes have flown in from all corners of the state. Cabinet minister Ashok Singhal, while speaking about him said, “Nipon Goswami was a part of numerous films. Even when he is not here, he will live on forever.”
He announced that the stalwart of the Assamese film industry will be laid with state honours. Singhal said, “I have come to meet with the family members. His hospital expenditure will be covered by the state government.
Mourning his demise, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to Twitter to write in Assamese, “I am pained to hear of Assamese film industry’s evergreen actor Nipon Goswami’s passing away. In my youth, while working for the film ‘Kokadeuta Nati Aru Hati’, I had the chance of meeting him and I was blessed at the opportunity.”
“He played thoughtful characters in many Assamese films and his contribution to the cultural world will never be forgotten by the people of Assam. I pray to God for the eternal peace of the late actor and extend my condolences to the bereaved family,” added the Assam CM.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged the pioneering contribution of Nipon Goswami to the Assamese film industry as he condoled the demise of the veteran Assamese actor.
Taking to Twitter, PM Modi wrote, “Saddened by the passing away of Shri Nipon Goswami, who made a pioneering contribution to the Assamese film industry.”
“His diverse works will be remembered by several film lovers. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” he further wrote.
The 80 year old actor was born in Assam’s Tezpur. An alumnus of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and passed out alongside stalwarts like Subhash Ghai, Navin Nischol, and Shatrughan Sinha.
Nipon Goswami debuted in the Assamese film industry in 1957 as a child artist in the Phani Sarma directorial Piyali Phukan. As a lead actor, Sangram was his first Assamese film which turned out to be a hit movie.
His next movie Dr. Bezbaruah, released in 1969, brought him recognition as a star to act in many movies in coming years. Nipon Goswami also acted in few Hindi movies.
He had been actively involved in mobile theatres, notably, Abaahan, Kohinoor, Hengul, and Shakuntala while also appearing in few TV serials like Writu aahe writu jaai'.
