Latest news with #Assamese
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Is TV actress Surabhi Das all set to make her big Bollywood debut in Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi starrer Ramayana? Here's what we know
TV actress Surabhi Das is making her Bollywood debut as Urmila in Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana', starring Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi. She praised co-stars, described the experience as enriching, and shared behind-the-scenes moments. The film blends mythological storytelling with a modern cinematic approach and features a pan-Indian cast. TV actress Surabhi Das is preparing to make a significant transition to the big screen by featuring in the highly awaited Bollywood project 'Ramayana', directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari . Role and Significance in the Film According to TellyChakkar, Surabhi will embody the character of Urmila, the loyal sister of Maa Sita and wife to Lakshman, in this expansive mythological epic. For the Assamese actress, transitioning from television to a high-profile film featuring an esteemed cast represents a major breakthrough. The movie stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Maa Sita, and Kannada superstar Yash portraying the fierce Ravana. Besides its grand scale, the project has drawn attention for its thoughtful casting and exceptional attention to historical and cultural details. Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses on Instagram Taking to Instagram, Surabhi share a heartfelt set of candid behind-the-scenes moments featuring her time with director Nitesh Tiwari and fellow actors Sai Pallavi and Ranbir, offering fans a glimpse into the friendly atmosphere on the 'Ramayana' set. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ukraine: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo Working with Ranbir Kapoor Speaking about her time working alongside Ranbir, Surabhi shared with TellyChakkar that his presence on set is truly impressive. She described him as 'a very sincere actor' whose 'aura is unmatched,' and mentioned how much one can learn simply by watching him perform. Although their conversations were limited because Ranbir needed to stay in character during filming, they did exchange formalities, and she appreciated how he treats everyone with great respect—a quality she considers vital in a person. Surabhi recalled, 'On the last day shoot, we did speak generally and it was amazing to work with him so closely.' She also expressed her affection for Sai, saying, 'Compared to Ranbir, I spent more time with Sai. She is extremely sweet and a warm person.' Adding up her overall experience, Surabhi called it 'an enriching experience' and expressed her excitement for the film's release. Film's Vision and Ensemble Cast Directed by a renowned filmmaker and produced by Namit Malhotra, this project fuses epic mythological storytelling with a fresh, contemporary filmmaking approach. The movie also boasts an impressive cast that brings together talent from both Bollywood and the South Indian film industries.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Assamese may become minority': Himanta flags demographic shifts
Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said native Assamese and Hindus will become a minority in the state in 10 years if demographic changes are not checked. He vowed not to rest until all encroachments by suspected citizens are cleared. The remarks came during his visit to Gorukhuti in Darrang district, from where his govt started massive eviction drives after coming to power in 2021. Sarma was there to mark four years of the Gorukhuti Multipurpose Agriculture Project, developed on land cleared during the initial eviction. "If you compare Assam's demography from 1951 to today, the situation is at such a level that the Assamese people will become a minority here in the next 10 years. Hindus are at risk of becoming minorities in 10 years in the state too. We have to rescue a community which otherwise will go missing," Sarma told reporters. He said he cannot change the history of infiltration overnight, which he said is for 100 years. But Sarma added that his govt's efforts can somewhere infuse seeds of courage in the Assamese community, which was feeling "frustrated and defeated somewhere". "We've ignited the flame of fire. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo After me, thousands will carry this forward," he said. "Today, foreigners are being expelled and lands are being freed from encroachments in Assam," he said. In 2021, hundreds of Bangladesh/East Pakistan origin migrant Muslim families were evicted from govt land in Gorukhuti, on the north bank of the Brahmaputra. From the Gorukhuti eviction to the recent Paikan drive in Goalpara this July, Sarma said his govt faced resistance but pressed ahead. "We've reclaimed 1.29 lakh bighas and are working to recover more. Twenty-nine lakh bighas are still under encroachment. It's not possible for one Himanta Biswa Sarma to free all these lands in four years," Sarma said. He said the encroached land is held by illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and suspected (doubtful) citizens. On past criticism, especially over Gorukhuti eviction — where two persons, including a minor, died during police action — the CM claimed the state faced international pressure to halt evictions, but remained firm. Post-eviction, the govt established a farming initiative following the eviction drive to clear about 77,500 bighas. Underlining the project's progress, Sarma said Gorukhuti has generated approximately Rs 5.05 crore in revenue in its fourth year and has a deposit base of Rs 7.64 crore. Built around cattle, pig farming, handloom, and other rural industries, he called the project a model for self-sufficiency. He said the govt is also considering establishment of an agricultural science institute at Gorukhuti to train youth in modern organic farming.
New Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Hindus to become minority in Assam in 10 years: CM Himanta Sarma
GUWAHATI: Citing demographic changes in Assam due to alleged illegal migration, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said Hindus are likely to become a minority in the state within the next 10 years. 'If you compare the demography of Assam in 1951 with that of the present day, it has reached a point where the Assamese and Hindus will become minorities in the next 10 years. We must revive a community staring at extinction,' Sarma told the media. Reflecting on the past four years, the Chief Minister said they had been years of satisfaction for the BJP-led government, during which several achievements were made despite attempts to derail its efforts. 'We reclaimed 1.29 lakh bighas of land, and this endeavour is ongoing,' he said. According to Sarma, the reclaimed land at Orang has become a habitat for one-horned rhinoceroses and tigers. 'At Borsola, a solar project has been set up. Elephants have returned to Lumding. The reclaimed land at Burapahar now provides a safe haven for tigers and rhinos. Paikan, once covered with teak plantations, will be green again,' he said, referring to areas cleared of encroachments.
Indian Express
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Assam evictions: Himanta Biswa Sarma government must not trade empathy for political expediency
The recent wave of eviction drives in Assam raises troubling questions. In the past month alone, the state has conducted five major drives across four districts, including Dhubri, Lakhimpur, Nalbari and now, Paikan reserve forest in Goalpara, removing at least 3,300 families from forest land, grazing land and government revenue land. These have been framed as an exercise in reclaiming encroached land in accordance with the standing order of the Gauhati High Court to minimise man-animal conflict. However, from Darrang and Lumding in 2021 to Barpeta in 2022 to now, the execution of these drives, and the polarising political rhetoric surrounding them, serve to underline a troubling reality: In Assam in the recent past, all too often, governance appears to function through the prism of exclusion, not inclusion. To be sure, underlying the state's initiatives are legitimate concerns — environmental degradation, land management, and deep-seated anxieties around migration and identity that have persisted since Partition and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971. According to the Union Environment Ministry, as of March 2024, Assam had the second highest encroachment of forest land in the country, after Madhya Pradesh. But weaponising these concerns to target specific communities — most eviction drives have focused on areas with large populations of Bengali-origin Muslims — underlines a politics of dispossession. Over the past weeks, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has spoken of 'demographic invasion' by 'people of one religion.', of 'land jihad', and of his determination to 'protect Assamese constituencies' in places where 'an effort has started to change the demography of Upper Assam'. Such rhetoric from the chief minister — not for the first time — stands to transform administrative action into communal performance. It recasts vulnerable citizens as outsiders, an especially cruel turn in a state where, post-National Register of Citizens, nearly 19.6 residents had been rendered suspect, forced to prove their citizenship without state support. According to the state government, over 1.19 lakh bighas of land have been reclaimed since Sarma came to power in 2021 and over 50,000 people have been evicted. These statistics encompass homes, schools, livelihoods, lifelines and lifetimes. Many of the evicted are displaced victims of river erosion, economic marginalisation, or historical neglect. An absence of humane policy response stands to render eviction not as an administrative necessity, but as a form of institutional violence; not enforcement but erasure. With assembly elections less than a year away, the Assam government's campaign against purported outsiders in the state has gained political urgency. But electoral arithmetic must not override constitutional responsibility and due process. If the aim is environmental or administrative correction, it must be carried out without inflammatory rhetoric or partisan action, and with a commitment to transparency. It means building trust, offering rehabilitation, and recognising that the rights to shelter, belonging and dignity are fundamental. When the state trades empathy for political expediency, it is the notion of justice that gets bulldozed.
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
7 Guwahati Hacks That Will Make You Feel Like ATravel Genius
The city is often referred to as the gateway to Northeast India, so naturally Guwahati has a rich blend of ancient history, spirituality, and beautiful landscapes. However, having a low budget seems like it would make traveling to this city difficult. Don't worry! Traveling to Guwahati can be economical without compromising on the experience offered by the city, as long as the right preparation is made beforehand. To start with, here's what expenses you can avoid: Budget-Friendly Accommodation You don't need to break the bank if you want to book a place to stay in Guwahati. Instead of going for luxury hotels, consider budget guesthouses, home stays or even hostels. There are also several budget hotels in Paltan and Fancy Bazaar which serve clean and comfortable rooms for a reasonable price. If you're a backpacker that is comfortable with dorms, hostels like Zostel and GoStops will help you save money while also providing great facilities. There are also affordable Airbnbs that can be found in different parts of the city. Budget hostels: INR 300-600 per night Guesthouses: INR 800-1500 per night Home stays: INR 1000-2000 per night Book in advance to get discounts on online platforms like and MakeMyTrip. Around for Less There are many ways to get around the city of Guwahati and picking the correct one will save you money. One of the gums get used taxis paired with private cabs because they are really pricey. Rather use local buses, shared auto-rickshaws, or app based ride services like Rapido and Ola Bike. For sightseeing, you can also explore the city by walking around central areas or renting a bicycle. City buses charge between INR 10-30 on most routes. Auto-rickshaw fares are not on meters so make a deal before getting in. Local taxis don't have meters making Ola and Uber a more affordable option. You can rent a two-wheeler for about INR 300-500 a day. 3. Eating Delicious Food on a Budget Guwahati is a true gem when it comes to food, and you can indulge in authentic Assamese dishes without shelling out too much. Instead of fancy restaurants, opt for roadside food vendors, dhabas, and tiny cafes. Uzan Bazaar and Silpukhuri have excellent budget-friendly food joints serving pithas, masor tenga (sour fish curry) and thalis at unbelievable prices. Street food like momos, puri-sabzi, and chowmein costs around INR 30-80 per plate. Eating out, A full Assamese thali in a budget eatery costs 120-250 INR. Notable mentions: Khorikaa, Ramu Dhaba, and JB's. Lal cha or tea can be purchased at street vendors for as low as INR 10-20. Attractions for Free or Cheap Guwahati boasts of some of the best places to visit with no or minimal entry fees. Temples like Kamakhya, Umananda, and Navagraha are a must visit and don't cost much. You will also be able to enjoy the scenic views of Brahmaputra River for free! Assam State Museum and Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra offers great insights into the region's history and culture for a very small fee. Kamakhya Temple- Free entry, INR 501 for VIP darshan Assam State Museum- Entry fee INR 10-20 Umananda Island Ferry- INR 20-50 for per person Sunset views at Brahmaputra Riverside- Free Shopping Without Overspending Those with a taste for shopping can purchase colorful souvenirs, traditional Assam handicrafts, handloom shawls, and mehndi chadar silk sarees from the various local markets. As I suggest, do not bother with the malls. For economical shopping, Guwahati's Fancy bazaar, Paltan bazaar, and Pan bazaar are ideal locations too. And always remember, bargaining is an essential skill in shopping. Assam silk mekhela chadors: Rs. 1000-5000 (Price highly depends on the quality) Bamboo and cane handicrafts: Rs. 100-1000 Tea leaves from the Assam Tea shops: Rs. 200-500 per kg Remember to bargain hard, you should be able to achieve 30-40% concession! Your Trip in the Right Season Traveling to Guwahati between October to March when the tourist influx is high can become costly due to increased hotel prices and ticket fares. Plan your travels during the April to September timeframe to save on accommodation and traveling expenses. If you're not fond of rain, make sure not to travel in the monsoon season from June to July. Best time for budget travel: April to early June, September Off-season discounts on hotels: Up to 40% Flights are cheaper during off-peak months Use of Local Travel Passes & Offers Both local operators and State Tourism Development Corporation sell discount guided tours with skip-the-line tickets for a budget-friendly price. Look for deals on group trips as they are usually cheaper than guided services on your own. Guided tours provided by Assam Tourism at INR 500-1000. See Travel Packages available by IRCTC to save on accommodations and tours. RedBus travel apps offer discounts for buses traveling intercity and intrastate. Final Thoughts Traveling in Guwahati can be friendly to the pocket if approached with these ideas. You can cover the important sites, have good food, and appreciate the culture of Assam without spending too much. These ideas will maximize your trip regardless of whether you are solo or with friends. Now it is time to pack your bags for an unforgettable travel experience. Guwahati is indeed a budget-friendly option that guarantees fun!
