Padma Bhusan for contribution to films and society, says Barua

NAVI MUMBAI: President Pranab Mukherjee presented the Padma Bhushan to national award winning Assamese film maker Jahnu Barua during the Padma Awards function at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Wednesday. Barua is a resident of Sanpada in Navi Mumbai.

Barua, 62, has made as many as 13 Assamese films and two Hindi films, which have been acclaimed both nationally and internationally. His Hindi film Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Mara that upholds the Gandhian values, is said to be one of the most critically-acclaimed films in Indian cinema.

Apart from making films, Barua has also been involved in various socio-cultural activities for the past two decades. The veteran director feels that he has been presented with this honour for his contribution to the field of art and to the betterment of the society at large.

“Films are a very strong medi- um. It can create a society as well as ruin a society. For the younger generation today, films mean only entertainment. However, a film may have several other purposes apart from entertaining the audience. As a filmmaker, I always to try to uphold the cause of humanity,” he said.

For making the youth aware of the burning social issues, Barua had launched a campaign in the Northeast around 10 years ago and has been organising various film festivals and documentary screenings since. So far, he has organised around 44 festivals in different universities and colleges.

Barua started his career with his Assamese film Aparoopa in 1982. After two years, he produced and directed his first Hindi film Apeksha, which was a great success. There has been no looking back since then. Barua has won 10 National Awards so far. He received the Padma Shri honour in 2003.

HT President Pranab Mukherjee presents the Padma Bhushan to Jahnu Barua at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Wednesday.