Legendary actor Saila Barua dead

Guwahati, Apr 12 (UNI) Legendary Assamese actor Saila Barua passed away at the B Barooah Cancer Institute here today.

He was 81 and suffering from cancer.

A seasoned actor-director of the stage, radio, screen and television, Mr Barua had directed about 40 stage plays and acted in about 60. His first appearance was as a child artiste in the drama 'Shahjahan' at the Ban Theatre, Tezpur, where he played as 'Sipar'.

He was associated with the Amateur Drama Movement of Asom since 1949 and acted in about 1,000 plays, mostly in leading role.

Born in Imphal on November 14, 1926, his fame rose in the play of 'Siraj', and made etched his name in the roles of 'Karengar Ligiri', 'Miri Jiari', Hamlet and Julius Ceaser, besides the famous tele-serial 'Patharughate Ringiai'.

He also acted in the Hindi tele-film 'Sesh Abinaya' directed by Ranjit Kapoor and telecast in the national hook up.

A recipient of 'Silpi Bota' in 2003 from the Government of Asom, Barua had directed the play 'Sako' written by Prafulla Bora, which was selected by the state government in the All India Drama Festival in 1969.

UNI