HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Jan 15: Reinforcing its ambition to position Assam as a significant hub of cinematic culture and creative excellence, the Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2026 has announced that veteran actor Bishnu Kharghoria will be conferred the Lifetime Achievement Honour in recognition of his enduring contribution to Indian cinema.
The honour will be presented during the second edition of GAFF, scheduled to be held in Guwahati from January 22 to 25, 2026.
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Instituted as an annual recognition, the Lifetime Achievement Honour celebrates artistes whose body of work has not only shaped cinematic culture but also inspired generations of filmmakers and audiences.
Announcing the decision, GAFF Festival Director Monita Borgohain said Bishnu Kharghoria’s artistic legacy represents the very values the festival seeks to uphold.
“Bishnu Kharghoria’s contribution to Indian cinema, especially to Assamese films, is profound and timeless. His performances reflect rare integrity, emotional depth and an unwavering commitment to the craft. We are honoured to celebrate a life dedicated to cinema,” she said.
Organised by Trending Now Media with support from the National Film Development Corporation and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, GAFF has positioned itself as a platform that bridges regional cinema with wider Asian and global narratives.
The conferment of the Lifetime Achievement Honour, organisers said, is part of the festival’s broader vision to recognise excellence while strengthening Assam’s cultural footprint in the national and international film landscape.
Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished actors of his generation, Bishnu Kharghoria has been a towering presence in Assamese and Indian cinema for over five decades.
He began his film career with Bristi in 1974 and went on to deliver a series of memorable performances that helped define modern Assamese cinema.
His work in landmark films such as Kollol (1978), Firingoti (1992), Xagoroloi Bohudoor (1995), Pokhi (1998) and several others earned him critical acclaim for his nuanced portrayals and emotional restraint.
Kharghoria’s contribution has also been recognised at the national and international levels.
He received the National Film Award (Special Mention) for Xagoroloi Bohudoor and was honoured again with the same recognition for Baandhon in 2012.
In 1996, he won the Best Actor Award at the Singapore International Film Festival for Xagoroloi Bohudoor, further cementing his reputation beyond India.
Festival organisers said the honour is intended not only as a tribute to Kharghoria’s remarkable journey but also as a statement of GAFF’s intent to celebrate cinema that is rooted in cultural authenticity while resonating globally.
With the second edition of the festival, GAFF aims to expand its scale and influence, showcasing Assamese and Asian cinema alongside conversations on craft, legacy and the future of filmmaking.
The Lifetime Achievement Honour, to be presented during GAFF 2026 in Guwahati, will stand as a recognition of Bishnu Kharghoria’s invaluable role in the evolution of Indian cinema and as a symbol of Assam’s growing cultural confidence on the cinematic map. (With inputs from PTI)
