Purabi Sarma (Assamese: পূৰবী শৰ্মা; 1961 – 14 July 2026) was an Indian actress from Assam. She primarily worked in Assamese cinema, while also contributing to radio plays, mobile theatre (Bhramyaman), and television productions.
Biography Early life and education Purabi Sarma began her primary schooling in Mangaldai. During her childhood, she aspired to become a doctor and subsequently pursued her higher studies in the science stream. However, her growing interest in music and acting led her to practice dance and singing, which eventually paved her way into the performing arts.
Career Sarma made her acting debut in 1980 with the film Ajoli Nobou, directed by Nip Barua. During the 1980s and 1990s, she appeared in several Assamese feature films, including Pratham Ragini, directed by Dhiru Bhuyan, which received the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Assamese (Rajat Kamal) in 1987 and it was in that film where she was the heroine. Other notable Assamese films include Pita Putra, Pahari Kanya, Kanyadaan, and Bidhata.
Alongside her film work, Sarma performed in Assam's mobile theatre industry, appearing with theatre groups including Hengul Theatre, Kohinoor Theatre, and Srimanta Sankardev Theatre. She also appeared in television serials, radio plays, and direct-to-video productions such as Lakhimi. She made an appearance in the music video for the song Jowa Bosore by singer Zubeen Garg.
Personal life Sarma married the Assamese actor and storyteller Tapan Das. The couple had a daughter named Ragini. Following her marriage, she largely stepped away from the entertainment industry to focus on raising her daughter and dedicating time to her family.
Death On 14 July 2026, Sarma was found unresponsive in the bathroom of her residence by family members. She was taken to Marwari Hospital in Guwahati, where doctors declared her dead at 6:45 PM. Medical professionals attributed her death to a sudden cardiac arrest. She was 65 years old at the time of her death.
Filmography Unless otherwise noted, all films are in the Assamese language.
Ajoli Nobou (1980) Son Moina (1985) Puja (1985) Antony Mor Nam (1986) Madhuchanda (1986) Sankalpa (1986) Pita Putra (1987) Pratham Ragini (1987) Shewali (1989) Bhai Bhai (1989) Abhiman (1990) Pahari Kanya (1991) Prabhati Pakhir Gan (1992) Ashanta Prahar (1995) Nayak (2001) Jiban Nadir Duti Par (2002) Kanyadaan (2002) Bidhata (2003) Barood (2004) Hridoy Kapowa Gaan (2004) Ahir Bhairav (2008) Raktabeez (2018) Prabhat (2022)
References