Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed his condolences for the passing of the renowned Assamese actor while recognising Nipon Goswami’s groundbreaking contributions to the Assamese film industry.
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 veteran actor appeared in Assamese films and plays as well as a number of serials over the course of an illustrious career. He passed away today at the age of 80 at the Nemcare Hospital in Guwahati, where he was receiving treatment after his health started to deteriorate on October 24.
Earlier today, he passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. 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.”
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 to get 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.
Famous Indian author Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi expressed her condolences for the renowned actor’s passing. “I have been heartbroken since learning about Nipon Goswami’s passing,” he remarked. My favourite actor was him. I grew up watching all of his films. He could have stayed in Mumbai and appeared in Bollywood movies if he had wanted to, but instead, he came here and significantly contributed to the development of the Assamese film industry.
Meanwhile, Nipon Goswami’s mortal remains will first be carried to his home, from whence they will be taken to Jyoti Chitrabon Film Studio at around 2 pm so that people can pay their respects.
His body would then be taken to Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra at around 9 tomorrow morning. Then his remains will be taken to Dighalipukhuri. His final rituals will be performed at the Nabagraha cemetery tomorrow around 11 am, when he will be laid to rest for the last time.
The actor, who is now 80, was born in Tezpur of Assam. A former student at the esteemed Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), where luminaries like Subhash Ghai, Navin Nischol, and Shatrughan Sinha have graduated.
Nipon Goswami made his film debut in Assam in 1957 as a young actor in the Phani Sarma film 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’.