Chetana Das Award has brought fresh recognition to Assam’s rich theatre and film tradition, with veteran Assamese artiste Chetana Das receiving the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2025. President Droupadi Murmu presented the honour at a special ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on August 13, 2026. The award recognises Das’s long and important contribution to Assamese theatre and performing arts.

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Chetana Das honoured for theatre and acting

Chetana Das was selected for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in the Theatre – Acting category. The award is given to artistes who have made a sustained contribution to India’s performing arts. Her recognition places her among a group of artists from different parts of the country who have helped preserve and develop India’s diverse cultural traditions.

The ceremony in New Delhi brought together artistes, cultural personalities and government representatives. President Murmu presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards for 2024 and 2025 during the event.

For Assam, the honour is particularly significant because Das has spent decades contributing to Assamese theatre, cinema and entertainment. Her work has helped connect traditional theatre with popular audiences while keeping Assamese language and culture at the centre of her performances.

A long journey in Assamese theatre

Chetana Das was born in Shillong and began her acting journey at a young age. One of the important early stages of her career was her association with Jyoti Prasad Agarwala’s play Sunit Konwori. Agarwala is widely remembered as an important figure in Assam’s cultural history, and his contribution to Assamese theatre and cinema has influenced generations of artists.

Over the years, Das became a familiar name in Assamese performing arts. She developed a special identity through her comic performances, but her work was not limited to comedy. She also remained closely connected with theatre and Assamese films.

Her career reflects the changing nature of Assamese entertainment, where theatre continues to play an important role in developing actors and preserving regional storytelling traditions.

Three artistes from Assam receive recognition

The Chetana Das Award is also part of a wider recognition for Assamese artists. Das was one of three artistes from Assam selected for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards for 2025.

The other two awardees were Mallika Kandali, known for her contribution to Sattriya, and Bhaskar Jyoti Oja. Their selection highlights the range of artistic traditions in Assam, from theatre and acting to classical dance and other performing arts.

The awards were announced after a meeting of the Sangeet Natak Akademi General Council held in New Delhi from March 22 to 26, 2026.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and its importance

The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award is one of India’s major national honours for performing artists. The Sangeet Natak Akademi is the national academy for music, dance and drama. It recognises artists working in different areas of India’s performing arts.

Awardees receive a Tamrapatra, Angavastram and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. The honour recognises not only individual talent but also years of dedication to cultural and artistic work.

For veteran artists such as Chetana Das, the award is a recognition of a career built over many years through theatre performances, films and cultural activities.

Assam’s performing arts gain national attention

The recognition of Chetana Das comes at a time when regional cinema and traditional performing arts are receiving growing attention across India. Assamese films, theatre, music and Sattriya traditions continue to introduce the cultural identity of Assam to audiences beyond the Northeast.

Das’s career also shows the important role that theatre plays in Assamese society. Theatre has long provided a platform for actors, writers, directors and musicians while helping audiences connect with local stories and social issues.

Her national recognition therefore carries importance not only for her personally but also for the Assamese theatre community. It brings attention to the artists and cultural institutions that have supported the performing arts in the state for decades.

A proud moment for Assamese culture

The presentation of the Chetana Das Award at Vigyan Bhawan marks an important moment for Assam’s cultural community. From her early association with Assamese theatre to her successful career in films and comedy, Das has remained a familiar figure in the state’s performing arts scene.

The honour also highlights how artists working in regional languages contribute to India’s wider cultural landscape. Her recognition alongside other Assamese artistes shows the continuing strength and diversity of Assam’s artistic traditions.