The Pride Of Assam : Bobbeeta Sharma

Submitted By – Mitalee Acharyya

Subject – Entrepreneurship
Roll No. – 23
Course – Ex-PGDM
Faculty – Mr. Sumit Roy
Institute – SIMS
Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................3
EARLY DAYS IN ASSAM.............................................................................................3
TRULY INSPIRING AT WORK.....................................................................................5
SYNOPSIS OF ONE OF HER VISIT.............................................................................7
AS THE PRESIDENT OF ASSAM STATE FILM CORPORATION, ASFC ....................8
INTERVIEW AFTER THE DELHI FILM FESTIVAL.......................................................9
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS........................................................................................10
WHAT INSPIRES ME...............................................................................................11
CONCLUSION...........................................................................................................12
 INTRODUCTION

Had it been a thriving film industry in Assam, she would still have been one of the
reigning queens on the marquee. Alas! It was not to be with actress Bobbeeta Sharma, a
former Miss Assam. With hardly any films being made for the big screen in that State,
not just Bobbeeta’s acting career but many others too have been cut short prematurely.
But Bobbeeta’s story doesn’t quite end here. Rather, it shoots a new beginning, a new
recognition for her. As the anchor of a popular Assamese series “Bideshat Apun
Manuh” (Our Own People Abroad), shown on Doordarshan Kendra, Guwahati, for the
last seven years.

I take pride in introducing my very own cousin sister Bobbeeta Sharma as one woman
whom I have always looked upto and got inspired by her charisma. Nobody has ever
inspired me as much as she has right since childhood. To see her win the title of first
Miss North East to see her as the Congress spokesperson from the state of Assam to
launching her entrepreneurial home production to make all Assamese people proud
across the globe. She has done it all! Kudos to her achievement.

EARLY DAYS IN ASSAM

Nurtured in St. Mary’s Convent (Guwahati) left her wanting for more when it came to
giving her away to the cause of society. Gratitude is but a small word when she looked
back at the activities she had performed as a young girl with her friends for the “people
of the Lesser God”, thanks to the way of thinking her school honed into them. But she is
yet to gratify her enthusiasm as her urge only deepens to touch the lives of the
underprivileged. And now with Rotary International, Yi (Young Indians) and Assam
Tourism, the journey is only stimulatingly easier, her dream of being an ambassador for
social needs more lucid. According to mother late Sh. Shashi Sharma (ex-politician from
Assam) she always had a dream to make the people of Assam proud.
When in school, she was an active participant in the annual day concerts, almost always
taking the lead role. Her first stint on stage was when I enacted the role of “Lord
Krishna” in Nursery Class. Elocution and debates had been her forte, with acting taking
the front seat. This is probably why she had bagged the “Best Actress” award in a One
Act Play, while pursuing her Pre-University course in Shillong, Meghalaya. Then on,
acting had become somewhat of a passion for her. She relocated to Guwahati in 1981.
She was only too happy when a director, Prafulla Saikia in Guwahati asked her to do a
role (though in a guest appearance) for his docu-feature film titled, “Paani” in 1983.
Thereafter, she had received a lot of offers for acting. Her best role was that of a ‘spoilt
daughter’ of a rich father in a nationally acclaimed director, dramatist, writer, actor and
newscaster, Kulada Bhattacharyya’s, thirteen episodes serial, “Tezaal Ghora” in 1984.
After that, she had acted in several other documentaries, features, stage-plays, films
and more…

In 1986 is was crowned the First Miss North East. She not only made the Sharma
family proud but also the entire state of Assam was celebrating her victory as the first
Miss North East. This was the first of it’s kind event in the north eastern states, as a
result her victory made a huge impact on the entire state.

Though I was a new born then and had not got a chance to see her winning but
whenever I visited my maternal grandparents house in Guwahati I would make it a point
to see her photographs. It makes me really a very proud Assamese sister who goes blah
blah about her sister to one and all. I myself am a huge fan of my sister. As a child I
would like to dress up like her, talk like her, walk like her, act like her....do everything
possible on this earth to imitate my best like her. So I am really enthusiastic as I get a
chance to write about her at this juncture. It’s really a very proud moment for me.

She painted a clear picture of her dream in her mind and took actions to transform her
dreams into reality.The emergence of women entrepreneurs and their contribution to the
national economy is quite visible in India. The number of women entrepreneurs has
grown over a period of time, especially in the 1990s. Women entrepreneurs need to be
lauded for finding a niche in the export market, creating a sizable employment for others
and setting the trend for other women entrepreneurs in the organized sector. Her vision
was on her mind every day, and she revaluated it occasionally so that it could stay
current with the changing times in which we live in. Bobbeeta I proudly say is one of
them who has not only added to Assam’s pride but also the entire nation’s pride.

The one person who has been instrumental in shaping her career has been her mother,
she made sure she gave good education to Bobbeeta, bestowed her with values & moral
and also motivated her to do work which would make Assam proud and bring Assam
onto a global platform.
 Assam is a state known
for it beautiful flora & fauna,
people, oil, tea as well as
the muga-silk. Bobbeeta has
been involved in many
activities related to trade
promotion of the
Assamese silk and tea.
She has also taken the
traditional dress that is
the Mekhla Chador to
international forums. It
has in a big way lead to the
promotion of export of
silk from the state. It is generating high revenues for the state as the quality of silk
weaving that happens in Assam doesn’t happen anywhere in the world. She made
Assamese traditional dress sort after across the globe so much so that   our poor
asomiya brides will not have any Muga Mekhela-chador to wear on the wedding day,
export drive may also push up the price beyond affordability range.

TRULY INSPIRING AT WORK

The areas of work done for far :-

 Actress

 Model - Ex. Miss Assam & North East

 Director of Most popular Serial in Assam "Bideshat Apon Monuh" (Our Own
People Abroad). It is based on Achievers of Assam out of India and has also
received the Prestigious Radio and TV Practitioners Association of India (RAPA)
award. 

 President of Assam State Film Coorporation, ASFC

Bideshat Apun Manuh (BAM) is a popular Assamese television show that follows the
lives of Assamese living abroad. Presented in a travelogue style, it interviews the Non
Resident Assamese (NRA)'s in informal surroundings. Telecast over Guwahati
Doordarshan Kendra (DDK) since 2001, the second series of BAM (Dwitiya) is currently
telecast on DDK every Sunday.

The show hosted and directed by Bobbeeta Sharma has completed more than 250
episodes covering countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Dubai, New Zealand,
Singapore, Malaysia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Finland, Japan, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Hungary, Mexico, Singapore, Hong Kong, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Jersey,
Jordan, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Korea, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya,
Macua, Macedonia, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco,
Myanmar, Nepal, China, Austria, Belarus, Thailand, Austria, Switzerland, Germany,
France, Barbados, Bhutan, Bermudas, Cambodia, Indonesia, Brazil, Austria, Bahamas,
Belgium, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominica, Egypt, Estonia, Netherlands and Norway and
many more so far.

'Bideshat Apun Manuh' has bagged the award of excellence in the non-fiction category of
the prestigious 28th All India RAPA (Radio and TV Practitioners Association of India)
award. The RAPA is the only organisation that includes entries for radio and television
programme in all the Indian languages other than Hindi. At a glittering function held at
the Taj Land End Hotel in Mumbai the award for Bideshat Apun Manuh was given by the
Mahabharat and Shaktiman fame television actor Mukesh Khanna.

In an interview after the award “We are off air for a very short while to shoot new
material,” says Bobbeeta, in New Delhi to talk about the rousing success of her series
back home. “Though we have been getting local appreciation, we now feel that we
should talk about it outside the State too. Nowadays, with DTH, one can watch it
anywhere. Our timing is 7.30 p.m. on Sundays,” she helpfully adds.

This is the first time that an Assamese television serial has won an award at RAPA award
function. Bideshat apun manuh is produced by Bobbeeta Sharma and Chinmoy Sharma
(husband) under the banner of Sangita Advertising. The serial has been directed by
Manash Adhockery.

 Presented by - Bobbeeta Sharma

 Script Written by - Jimoni Choudhury
 Music Composed by - Manash Hazarika
  The Title Song Rendered By – Saju
 Editor By - Pranjal Phukan
 Camera - Chinmoy Sharma, Sharad Verma, and Ravindra Badgaiyan
 Production House - Guwahati based "Sangita Advertising"

Note - The title song of (BAM) sung by SAJU... a hit song among people of
Assam.
The serial is presented in travelogue style describing the various places covered in first
person by the host of the show who is Bobbeeta Sharma herself. Then the families are
presented in a very informal way with lots of warmth and friendliness.

The serial also attempts to show that given the right kind of environment people of India
whether they belong to Assam or anywhere in India can really work hard and achieve
their goals with equal panache a any other person in the world. The serial also attempts
to portray in a subtle manner the positive aspects of the developed countries which have
shaped their destiny like immense patriotism or love for their own country, work culture
and the sense of accountability in their field of work.

BAM features Assamese living in different countries — their struggles, hopes,

achievements and of course, their love for the motherland. “It is a kind of travelogue, so
along with the personalities, we zoom our camera on places of tourist interest too,” she
says.

Also, it highlight “points like maintaining cleanliness in public areas, lack of corruption in
public offices in these countries, to drive home the point that we too should focus on
such things to make life better.” Bobbeeta would also like to look at the series as “a
medium of documenting our people living abroad.”

Conceptualised by her husband, Chinmoy Sharma, the show producer, the series is a
sponsored one, an unusual trend in Assam where cash-strapped producers/directors are
dependent on Doordarshan funds to make tele-serials. “In fact, Chinmoy made the first
sponsored serial in Assam, ‘Jibonor Batot’ (On the Way of Life) in 1989,” recalls the
actress.

SYNOPSIS OF ONE OF HER RECENT VISITS

In one of her tour’s, after covering different locations in the United States of America,
the team of Bideshat Apun Manuh left for shooting in Le Puy En Valley in France. It was
an invitation to an inter-folk festival organised in different villages and towns around the
valley. The invitation was made by the festival president Gerard Chalendard, and
facilitated by Nadine Delpech, a French writer who has written a book on the Uttar
Kamalabari Satra of Majuli and has travelled many times to Majuli. 

The festival had participants from Sicily (Italy), Chavdar (Bulgaria), Equador (South
America), Burkina Faso (Africa), Caucase (Russia), Martinique Island, Mumbai, among
others. For the Bideshat Apun Manuh team, it was a unique experience to cover the
festival, because the artistes from the Uttar Kamalabari Satra of Majuli were also invited to
perform in the festival. The forthcoming episodes of Bideshat Apun Manuh will feature Le Puy En
Valley, its various attractions, Inter-Folk Festival events and Majuli artistes’ performances.

As The President Of Assam State Film Corporation, ASFC

According to her, the making of film was an art and not business. Assam would be
completing 75 yrs in the year 2010. Assamese movies started with the work of the
legendary Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, national recognition to Assamese cinema was received
in the year 1955, international recognition to Assamese Film was received  in the year
1959 by the film named Puberon. There was a slow increase in the number of cinema
from its starting. Lack of audience was seen in the halls and the cinema industry was
facing trouble. Assamese cinema was not at all competent with world due to low budget.
People were perhaps disappointed from film makers as they were not using modern
technology applied in Hollywood & Bollywood. However, slowly and gradually under her
leadership now :-

 Assamese Film is made in three variants - Assamese, Bengali & Oriya.

 Publicity is an important factor for marketing of Assamese Film.

 Government has announced building mini cinema hall & declared 5 years tax
holiday after she took position.

 Jeebon Batar Lagaria has been showed in 25 halls at a time by satellite system
co-production with Govt. venture helped in rejuvenating Assamese Cinema.

 ASFFDC also has a plan to “go for a private/public partnership to produce films.

 They will also approach NFDC to take up some of our scripts for production.”
Though the Government had approved a subsidised scheme to build small
cinema halls last year, not too many people have made use of it —
understandably since not too many movies are being made. “We will have to
make filmmaking cost-effective. Whatever films are being made in Assam, they
are now made on CDs as it gives them decent returns. With VCD players easily
available there, it works fine.”

 She also mentions ASFFDC building a cultural complex in Guwahati with a mini
hall, a film archive and a museum of films.

 Bobbeeta, along with her husband, is also making documentaries on the

development work of the State Government.

 All this “good work” might gain her entry into state politics. And then, it would be
yet another new beginning for Bobbeeta and success for Assam.

She calls it “a challenging job.” Reviving the dying film industry in the State is not an
easy job she knows, but adds, “I am hopeful that it will be thriving again.” To “offer
people a much-needed platform to watch good cinema from across the world,” ASFFDC
has been organising a clutch of film festivals there. “The idea is not to let people forget
to appreciate good cinema. Only this January 2, we had the Northeast Film Festival,” she
says.

INTERVIEW AFTER THE DELHI FILM FESTIVAL

“This is the right platform to showcase our rich ethnic culture. We realised this after our
experience in Delhi, where people wanted to know more about Assam, its culture and
people,” said Bobbeeta Sharma.

In all, eight Assamese films will be screened at the festival, including a Karbi one, with
subtitles. But the thrust will be on acquainting the national film fraternity with the Bodo
filmmakers. Jahnu Barua is among those who are expected to participate in the festival.
“There are not many Bodo films despite very talented people being associated with
them. This festival, therefore, will provide an opportunity to explore new avenues to
improve Bodo cinema. It is also the right platform to encourage and motivate filmmakers
and artistes,” Sharma added.

“Since there are not many Bodo films, we will also include documentaries,” said
Sharma. Some films/documentaries made in Bodo language are award-winning
Alayaron (by FTII graduate Jwngdao Bodoso),  Jeuni Simang, Hagramaau Jinahari (Rape
in the Virgin Forest), a national award-winning short film dealing with environmental
problems, Duphang-ni-solo (a documentary made by FTII-graduate Pinky Brahma
Choudhury), Gwrwntini Unao, Songali and Kwmsi Lama.

“At least three of them should make the cut,” a source from the Assam State Film
Finance and Development Corporation said.

“Such festivals are not about only how many films will be screened. The interactive
sessions at such festivals for creative pursuits are equally important. It is a very
significant move. To my mind, this is the first time that Bodo films will be showcased in
such a manner,” the critic added.

The festival was immensely useful for the young, aspiring and already well entrenched
film makers to get an opportunity to see works of others across the world and exchange
thoughts and common concerns.

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

 Central Board of Film Certification, India (Panel Member).

 The Northeast Television Producers’ and Directors’ Association. At present the
Assistant Publicity Secretary.
 The Northeast Writers’ Forum.
  Assam Cine Art Society.
 “Nirmala” a TV serial.
 Anchored for ‘Folksongs of Assam’ for PPC directed by Mihir Jyoti Baruah.
 Anchored for the foundation stone laying ceremony of Jorhat Medical College by

the Prime Minister of India, Shri Manmohan Singh.

 Young India( Yi), Guwahati Chapter (Co-Chair: Art and Culture)

WHAT INSIPIRES ME

Last but not the least, what inspires me to choose her as my mentor entrepreneur, is
actually everything about her that inspires me. I work backwards when it comes to her
as my mentor i.e. every entrepreneur needs to be like her in order to be successful (that
is my belief). The following attributes make me a true follower of her :-

 Her Vision – coming for a wealthy Assamese background still she has such a
noble vision to make Assam a well known state and make the Assamese people
proud through achievements.

 Creative Thinking – An entrepreneur will be recognised if his or her work is

different from the others. It is able to give value to others. Her creative thinking
(BAM show) undoubtedly makes her a truly creative person.

 Clear Objectives - A successful entrepreneur who has the objective to establish

the products or service and to make profit and to render social service. She has
been successful in both to able to generate enough revenue in order to give back
to the society at large.

 Business Secrecy - An entrepreneur must be able to guard business secrets.

Leakage of business secrets to trade competitors is a serious matter which should
be carefully guarded against by an entrepreneur. An entrepreneur should be able
to make a proper selection of his assistants. She has been tremendously
successful at this as till date no competitor’s of her has been able to copy her
mantra for success. She is truly unique.

 Human relations ability - The most important personality traits contributing to

the her success as an entrepreneur is her emotional stability, personal relations,
consideration and tactfulness. An entrepreneur must maintain good relations with
his/her customers if he/she is to establish relations that will encourage them to
continue to patronize his business. He/she must also maintain good relations with
his employees if he is to motivate them to perform their jobs at a high level of
efficiency. An entrepreneur who maintains good human relations with customers,
employees, suppliers, creditors and the community is much more likely to
succeed in his business than the individual who does not practice good human
relations.

 Communication ability – Her communication style is very humble as she is a

very soft spoken lady. I truly admire this trait in her. Communication ability is the
ability to communicate effectively. Good communication also means that both the
sender and the receiver understand each other and are being understood. An
entrepreneur who can effectively communicate with customers, employees,
 suppliers and creditors will be more likely to succeed than the entrepreneur who
does not.

 Technical knowledge – She as an entrepreneur because of her background i.e.

in film making which is her core competency knows end to end of the kind of
work she undertakes. For this I truly salute her for the kind of knowledge and skill
she has been gifted with. An entrepreneur must have a reasonable level of
technical knowledge. Technical knowledge is the one ability that most people are
able to acquire if they try hard enough. An entrepreneur who has a high level of
administrative ability, mental ability, human relation ability, communication
ability and technical knowledge stands a much better chance of success than his
counterpart who possesses low levels of these basic qualities.

Some other key traits which have been dealt in detail about her in the former
paragraphs are :-

 Motivator
 Self Confidence
 Long Term Involvement
 High Energy Level
 Persistent problem solver
 Initiator
 Goal Setter
 Modern risk taker
 Efficient resource user

CONCLUSION
To be like her is my dream, thanking you sir to have given me a chance to reflect on the
entrepreneur within my family. It gives me immense satisfaction and happiness to have
done this assignment. Hope this will definitely help me in my future endeavors.