Padma award recognition to northeast: Jahnu Barua

Assamese filmmaker Jahnu Barua, selected for the Padma Bhushan, says the award is a recognition to the cinema industry in general and to the northeast in particular and will inspire more people from the region in various fields.
"The award is an inspiring stimulus for those involved in art and culture and also other fields. It is a respect and recognition to the industry and also to the northeast and Assam," 62-year-old Barua, who was conferred with Padma Shri in 2003, told PTI from Mumbai where he is based.
Known for making films on social issues, Barua has won 10 National Film Awards and over 25 awards at international festivals.

He says the recognition will act as an inspiration to upcoming talents from the northeast.
"The award is not just for me, it is for my family, the people I work with and all people related to art and culture," says Barua, whose 2005 film "Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara", starring Anupam Kher and Urmila Matondkar, brought him critical acclaim.
His "Halodhiya Choraye Baodhan Khai" (Catastrophe) won the President's Swarna Kamal for the best feature film in 1987, while "Hkhagoroloi Bohu Door" (It's a Long Way to the Sea) received the Swarna Kamal for best director in 1996.

"Firingoti" (Spark) won him the second best National film award and the best actress award for Moloya Goswami.

Barua, who has been involved in social work related to art and culture, says it is good that the government has recognised his contribution in this regard.
"I have been visiting colleges and universities and sharing experiences with the students and this gives me a lot of satisfaction," he says.
His last latest Assamese movie "Ajeyo" opened the screening of an eight films retrospective at the 2014 International Film Festival of India in Goa.