In a reality where dreams don’t always meet with the reality that life has to offer; the story of Urmimala Boruah and her daughter Snigdha Boruah stands as a testament to determination, love and the resilient face of rural India. The pair is from a small village in Assam and have set the world stage by storm by representing their state and country in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, a point to ponder not only in India but across the globe.
As the festival began there was every sign that India would put its best foot forward, with the colourful state Assam, taking pride of place. Urmimala, an introspective film maker and Snigdha, a precocious young actress, were holding hands, the sparkle in their eyes a strange combination of pride and disbelief. Urmimala, trying not to cry, couldn’t believe that they went from the Assam countryside to the bright lights of Cannes. “It’s unbelievable that we started so small and now we are here at Cannes” she said through her tears.
The distinctive clothing of the mother and the daughter also represents their unbreakable bond to their heritage. Urmimala’s gown is based on the banyan tree, and it isn’t just a magical, ancient, and noble tree, but the millions of insects that live in it as translated in a very colourful way in terms of the shapes and textures. The banyan, which is the oldest tree in the world, symbolizes our roots and the fundamental qualities of a human.
Snigdha, meanwhile, donned a striking gown with an Asian fan motif—a symbol of Asia’s vibrant cultural history. This dress is a love letter, an homage to the great beauty and innumerable cultures of Asia. Between them, they represent not only their own traditions but a universal celebration of unity and understanding of the importance of diversity of cultures.
The mother-daughter team’s tale is one of grit and grace. Urmimala, who has fought-wrestled several odds to find an echo in the male-dominated world of films and known to have said: “One should always run after one’s dreams.” She frequently spoke about the rich culture that Assam has and that it should find a place on the world map. Motivated by the perseverance of her mother, Snigdha took her first acting class in their village and nurtured her passion under her mother’s watchful eye.
Their film, Dibrugarh : A cultural journey which intricately weaves tales of Assamese folklore with contemporary issues is yet to be launched (Regional Movie). By marrying traditional stories with modern narratives, they have created a dialogue that invites viewers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of Assam’s culture while addressing universal themes.
As they walked the red carpet, adorned in their culturally rich attire, they were not just representing Assam; they were embodying the spirit of rural India, inspiring countless others to dream big and strive for excellence.Government of Assam has come forward to bring them in forefront of this journey to uplift these talents across the globe.
In conclusion, the journey of Urmimala and Snigdha Baruah from a small village in Assam to the illustrious Cannes Film Festival is a beautiful tale of love, resilience, and cultural pride. Their attire, rich in symbolism, reflects their roots and the rich heritage of Asia, serving as a reminder of the power of dreams and the importance of honoring one’s culture in a rapidly globalizing world.