GUWAHATI: Veteran theatre artiste and litterateur, Ratna Ojha passed away at his residence here in the wee hours of Tuesday.
Born in Barpeta on December 5, 1931, Ojha, who was ill for some time, will be remembered for leading the street theatre movement from 1971, at a time when the art was on the verge of fading away into oblivion.
The 88-year-old cultural activist, who had also publicly spoken against the Citizenship Amendment Act at an AASU-led protest programme at AEI playground here earlier this month, will also be recalled for introducing street plays in Assam with a skit called ‘Kokaideo’.
Associated with several cultural organisations, some notable works of Ojha include a highly-acclaimed trilogy, Gohbor, Urbor and Kobor, produced by his theatre troupe Gohbor Natyagosthi.
Ojha, who was conferred with the Natyasurya Award in 2005 for his contributions to theatre, had also introduced cartoon theatre in Assam. He had also penned a few novels and poems.
In a condolence message on Twitter, Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted: “Saddened to learn about the demise of eminent dramatist, litterateur and social activist Ratna Ojha. With his death, Assam loses a great personality, whose contribution towards our socio-cultural heritage will be forever remembered. My hearfelt condolences.”