HT Digital,
Tezpur, Nov 08 : The man behind the famous running rhino emblem of the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) Tezpur’s multi-talented Choukat Ali has passed away. Once a celebrated footballer of Maharana Club, an accomplished hockey player, a noted painter, photographer, stage and film actor, renowned hunter, and nature lover, Ali breathed his last at his residence in Parowa, Tezpur, on the night before he was to turn 103 on 24 November. His demise has cast a deep shadow of grief over Tezpur and the entire state, as he was regarded as one of the most senior figures in the region’s socio-cultural and sports circles.
It may be mentioned that during his lifetime, several books were published on his life and philosophy. The Tezpur Photography Club honored him with the title “Gunakar”, and he was felicitated on many occasions by organizations such as the Tezpur Cultural Council and others across the state. The distinguished artist had been suffering from age-related ailments for a long time.
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Born in 1926 in Guwahati, Ali received his early and high school education at Sonaram High School. He came into close contact with cultural stalwarts such as Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha and Natsurya Phani Sarma. His acting career began in 1944 with the Guwahati stage play “Pukaar”. Later, he acted with great skill in several Assamese and Bengali films, including Anil Choudhury and Girish Choudhury’s “Matir Swarg,” Nip Baruah’s “Smritir Parash,” Anowar Hussain’s “Sarapaat,” Lakshyadhar Choudhury’s “Nimila Anka,” and the Bengali film “Man Raksha.”
After moving to Tezpur, Choukat Ali gained immense popularity as a talented painter and photographer. He was also known as a skilled football and hockey player who had represented the state and national levels. Apart from his artistic and sporting talents, he was an avid hunter and a passionate lover of nature. At his home, he established a nursery of various flower species that became a local attraction.
Following the news of his passing, people from various organizations and walks of life gathered at his residence in the morning to pay their last respects to the mortal remains of this versatile and revered artist.
