Actor Sukanya Boruah made her feature film debut with Not A Hero, directed by Rima Das. The coming-of-age drama recently received a Crystal Bear Special Mention at the 2026 edition of the Berlin International Film Festival, also known as Berlinale.
Describing the moment as overwhelming, Sukanya recalls the few seconds between the announcement and realisation. “There was silence, disbelief and then immense gratitude,” she shares, calling it an emotional experience for the entire team.
A Larger Moment for Northeast Cinema
The recognition arrives at a time when cinema from India’s Northeast is drawing global attention. Recently, filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi’s Manipuri-language film Boong won the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the BAFTA Awards.
While celebrating these milestones, Sukanya raises a larger concern. She believes that international acclaim should not be the starting point for recognition within India.
“It shouldn’t take global validation for the Northeast to be respected in its own country,” she says, adding that acknowledgment must begin at home. At the same time, she views these achievements as proof that art transcends prejudice. “Voices will be heard, and identity cannot be erased,” she reflects.
“Our Small Story Travelled Far”
Speaking about the Berlinale screening, Sukanya describes sitting in the theatre before the film began as one of her most cherished memories. Watching an audience from another part of the world engage with a story rooted in the Northeast felt surreal.
For her, the award is both celebratory and reflective. She notes that the region has long possessed powerful stories, music and artistic talent. What is changing now, she says, is visibility. She hopes the wider film industry engages with Northeast narratives not as a passing trend, but with genuine respect and sustained curiosity.
Remembering Zubeen Garg
Sukanya also looked back at her experience working with singer-actor Zubeen Garg, who passed away in September 2025.
She describes him as deeply connected to his roots, carrying sincerity and emotional intensity in his art. Being around him, she says, reinforced the importance of staying grounded and honouring one’s cultural identity.
With Not A Hero earning recognition at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, Sukanya Boruah’s debut marks not just a personal milestone but also another significant chapter in the growing global presence of Northeast Indian cinema.
