Renowned filmmaker Jahnu Barua will be seen as an actor this time. After working behind the camera for 42 years, Barua, who has directed many great films in Assamese and Hindi language, is coming in front of the camera for the first time. He will be seen as an actor in a popular web series.
Jahnu Barua will be seen in Paatal Lok 2
Paatal Lok, a thriller web series aired on Amazon Prime in 2020, gained a lot of popularity. Now its new season ‘Paatal Lok 2’ has been launched on Amazon Prime. There is a discussion about this series across the country, which is directed by Abhinash Arun Dhaware. The background of this time’s series is Nagaland. Jahnu Barua is playing the role of Naga rebel leader Uncle Ken in this series.
Barua’s role in Paatal Lok 2
Uncle Ken symbolizes the rebellious existence that represents the neglected Naga tribe for decades. His rebellion was dissatisfied with the traditional political system and government administration, and it started from his home, as his father was a corrupt political leader. Uncle Ken’s rebellion was against the corrupt system that his father had established. The Naga race demands freedom and self-control, and Uncle Ken represents this struggle. ‘Paatal Lok 2’ explores this issue in depth and the character of Jahnu Barua plays a very important role.
Jahnu Barua’s reaction on this acting debut
Jahnu Barua’s debut as an actor has become a special thing for his fans, and it is being discussed a lot. Many people are also surprised by this. In this context, in an interview with ETV Bharat, Barua said, “I have no desire to become an actor, nor do I have any hobby. I have worked behind the scenes for so many years. I do not have good experiences with many people, especially those who always look down upon or insult our North East as a neglected state. I keep getting acting offers at different time, but I never said yes to anyone. But when the offer for ‘Paatal Lok 2’ came this time, I saw that they had taken up this work after deep study about our North East, about the real problems of Nagaland. So I could not refuse.”
Barua directed 13 Assamese and 3 Hindi films
Released in 1982 was ‘Aparoopa’, which was the first Assamese film directed by Barua. After this, he made about 13 Assamese films including Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai, Hkhagoroloi Bohu Door, Firingoti, Kuhkhal, Bonani, Tora, Pokhi, Konikar Ramdhenu etc. Apart from Assamese films, he also made three Hindi films- Apeksha (the Hindi version of ‘Aparoora’), Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara and Mumbai Cutting.
Honours to Jahnu Barua
Jahnu Barua’s films received many national and international awards, including 12 National Film Awards. his films received honors on the international stage many times. In 2005, “Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara” directed by Jahnu Barua, starring many stars like Anupam Kher, Urmila Matondkar, Boman Irani, Rajat Kapoor etc. won six National Awards. Not only this, he was also honored by the Government of India with Padma Shri in 2003 and Padma Bhushan in 2015.