The Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2026 will confer its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Honour on veteran actor Bishnu Kharghoria, recognising his long and meaningful contribution to Indian cinema, especially Assamese films.
The honour, instituted as an annual award by the festival, is given to artists whose work has left a lasting impact on cinema and society. The organisers said the award is meant to celebrate a lifetime of dedication, consistency, and artistic integrity.
Announcing the decision, Festival Director Monita Borgohain said Bishnu Kharghoria’s work stands out for its honesty and emotional strength. She said his performances have connected deeply with audiences over the years and continue to inspire younger generations of actors and filmmakers. According to her, the festival is proud to honour an artist who has devoted his life to cinema with sincerity and discipline. 
The second edition of GAFF will be held from January 22 to January 25, 2026, at Jyoti Chitraban in Guwahati. The festival is being organised by Trending Now Media, with support from the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
Bishnu Kharghoria is widely regarded as one of the most respected and accomplished actors in Assamese cinema. His film career began in 1974 with Bristi. Over the decades, he built a strong body of work through powerful roles that reflected everyday life, social change, and human emotions. His acting style, known for its quiet strength and realism, earned him admiration from both critics and audiences.
Some of his most well-known films include Kollol (1978), Firingoti (1992), Xagoroloi Bohudoor (1995), and Pokhi (1998). These films are often seen as important milestones in Assamese cinema. His performances helped give regional cinema a strong voice at the national level.
Kharghoria’s talent has also received national and international recognition. He won the National Film Award (Special Mention) in 1995 for Xagoroloi Bohudoor and again in 2012 for Baandhon. In 1996, he received the Best Actor Award at the Singapore International Film Festival for Xagoroloi Bohudoor, bringing international attention to Assamese cinema.
