About

Parthajit Baruah is a contemporary Indian film historian and film practitioner. He has directed twelve documentaries and one feature film. He has authored five books on film. He contributed an article, Regional Reflections: Shakespeare in Assamese Cinema, for the book Shakespeare and Indian Cinema, edited by Dr. Poonam Trivedi and Dr. Paromita Chakravorty and published by Routledge Publication. He did two research projects at the National Film Archive of India, Pune. Baruah presented his research papers on film at several international conferences, such as London, Queens’ University, Belfast, Ireland, and Dubai. He had spent time at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, as part of his research. He was invited as the guest speaker and also guest faculty at the MAHE University, Dubai, UAE, in 2019.

Parthajit Baruah's body of work reflects a deep engagement with the socio-political landscape of Assam, a region in north-eastern India known for its rich cultural heritage and complex social dynamics. His feature film, The Nellie Story (2023), which serves as a significant contribution to Assamese cinema, likely explores themes pertinent to the local community, such as identity, migration, conflict, and the effects of political decisions on everyday life. By focussing on these themes, Baruah not only entertains but also educates audiences about the pressing issues that affect the people of Assam. In addition to his feature film, Baruah has directed twelve documentaries. His documentaries delve into various aspects of Assamese society, such as cultural practices, environmental challenges, and the struggles faced by marginalised groups. By addressing sociopolitical issues through his films, Baruah contributes to raising awareness and sparking dialogue around important topics. His work can serve as a platform for advocacy, encouraging viewers to reflect on the complexities of their society and the historical contexts that shape their experiences. Baruah’s films are not just artistic endeavours but also vital commentaries on the socio-political fabric of Assam.

Biography

Parthajit Baruah was born at Kampur, Nagaon, Assam, India. His father, Prasanna Kumar Baruah, who was born and brought up at Sivsagar, worked at the Indian Army and later, he established Sunlit studio in 1965. He died in an accident when Parthajit was at school. His mother, Dinamai Gogoi was a school teacher. He was the editor of the wall magazine at Fergusson college, Pune. He completed his Master’s degree in English Literature at Pune University, followed by an M. Phil in Film Adaptation: Shakespeare on Celluloid, and a PhD in Film and Literature: Shakespeare in Select Indian Cinema. At present, he is serving as Editor-in-Chief at the North-East Film Journal. He is a senior lecturer at Renaissance Junior College, Assam, India.