Purabi Sarma, Veteran Assamese Actress, Dies Due to Cardiac Arrest; Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Expresses Grief

Guwahati witnessed a profound loss on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, as veteran Assamese actress Purabi Sarma, aged 72, breathed her last following a cardiac arrest. She was rushed to a hospital in Guwahati around 7:30 pm, where doctors declared her deceased. The news has deeply saddened fans, colleagues, and dignitaries, marking the end of a distinguished era in Assamese entertainment. Her mortal remains are being brought to her residence in Shantipur for final respects from family, friends, and admirers. S Janaki Dies: Legendary Playback Singer, the ‘Nightingale of South India’ Passes Away at 88.

Assamese Actor Purabi Sarma No More

Purabi Sarma was a name synonymous with grace and enduring talent in Assamese cinema. Her sudden passing due to cardiac arrest has left an irreplaceable void in the state's cultural landscape. Throughout her career, spanning several decades, Sarma earned widespread acclaim for her versatile performances across various mediums. She remained an active and respected member of the film fraternity, consistently engaging with major cultural platforms like the Filmfare Awards Assamese and the Prag Cine Awards.

Sarbananda Sonowal Expresses Grief

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed his profound grief over Purabi Sarma's demise. In a social media post on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Sonowal stated that her "invaluable legacy in Assamese theatre and cinema will be forever cherished." He further added that her passing is "an irreparable loss to Assam's cultural fraternity." Tributes have poured in from across the state's political and cultural spheres, highlighting her significant contributions.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal  Mourns Purabi Sarmas Demise

More About the Actress

Purabi Sarma began her cinematic journey with the film Ajoli Nabou (1980), where she portrayed the character Runumoni, showcasing an understated acting style that quickly set her apart. A significant milestone in her career was her early film Ragini (also known as Pratham Ragini, 1987), directed by Dhiru Bhuyan, which went on to receive a National Award for Best Assamese Feature Film. This role cemented her status as a leading actress of her generation.

Her extensive filmography includes a host of acclaimed productions. She also made a notable impact on television with serials such as Gateway (2006) and appeared alongside singer Zubeen Garg in the romantic music video Jua Bosore.

Selected Filmography & Television:

• Films:
• Ajoli Nabou (1980)
• Ragini / Pratham Ragini (1987) – National Award Winner
• Antony Mor Naam (1986)
• Abhimaan (1990)
• Pahadi Kanya (1991)
• Kanyadaan
• Son Moina
• Bidhata
• Nayak
• Ringa Ringa Mon
• Porobhat (2022)
• Kritajnata (alongside husband Tapan Das, directed by Ranjit Das)
• Television:
• Gateway (2006)
• Music Videos:
• Jua Bosore (with Zubeen Garg) Sunila Sharma, Legendary Music Composer Pyarelal’s Wife, Dies at 78; Funeral Details Inside.

Beyond her acting career, Purabi Sarma shared a long and admired partnership with noted actor, writer, and director Tapan Das. The couple was widely respected within the Assamese film fraternity for their enduring contributions to the state's cultural landscape. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her rich legacy of artistic sincerity and memorable portrayals will continue to inspire generations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2026 05:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).