Legendary Ahom commander Lachit Borphukan, who led Assam’s forces to a historic victory against the Mughals in the Battle of Saraighat, could soon have his life brought to the big screen. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has revealed that filmmaker Aditya Dhar has been approached to direct a grand Hindi biopic on the celebrated military leader.Speaking during a Facebook Live session, the Chief Minister said the government wants to introduce Lachit Borphukan’s extraordinary story to audiences across India and the world.
Who was Lachit Borphukan?
Lachit Borphukan is revered as one of Assam’s greatest military commanders and is remembered as a symbol of courage, patriotism and selfless leadership. Born on November 24, 1622, in Charaideo, he was the youngest son of Momai Tamuli Borbarua, the commander-in-chief of the Ahom army under King Pratap Singha, and Kunti Moran. Growing up during the prolonged Mughal-Ahom conflicts, Lachit received training in military strategy, governance, economics, Ahom scriptures and religion, preparing him for a life of public service.He rose steadily through several key administrative and military positions, serving as Hanstidhara Tamuli, Ghura Baruah, Shimaluguria Phukan, and Dulakasharia Baruah, before King Chakradhwaj Singha appointed him the Borphukan, or commander-in-chief of the Ahom army. Entrusted with reclaiming Guwahati from the Mughals, the king presented him with a ceremonial gold-hilted sword (Hengdang) as a mark of distinction.Lachit earned lasting recognition for leading the Ahom forces to victory over the Mughal Empire in the historic Battle of Saraighat in 1671, one of the most significant military victories in Indian history. Facing a much larger Mughal force led by Raja Ram Singh I, who had been sent by Emperor Aurangzeb, Lachit relied on guerrilla tactics and his deep understanding of the Brahmaputra River to overcome the numerical disadvantage.Despite battling severe illness during the decisive stages of the campaign, Lachit personally boarded a war boat when some of his soldiers began retreating. According to historical accounts, he rallied his troops by declaring that he would rather die fulfilling his duty to his king and country than abandon the battlefield. Inspired by his courage, the Ahom army regrouped and forced the Mughal forces to retreat, effectively halting Mughal expansion into Assam.Lachit Borphukan died about a year after the victory due to natural causes. His memorial, Lachit Maidam, was built in 1672 at Hoolungapara near Jorhat. His leadership and sacrifice continue to inspire generations, and Lachit Divas is celebrated every year on November 24 across Assam to commemorate his birth, heroism and victory at Saraighat. His legacy is also honoured nationally through the Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal, awarded annually at the National Defence Academy to a cadet who demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities, reflecting the ideals for which the legendary commander is remembered.
Aditya Dhar approached for Lachit Borphukan biopic
Sharing details about the proposed film, Himanta Biswa Sarma said discussions with Aditya Dhar have already begun.Referring to Dhar’s recent blockbuster, he said, “The movie Dhurandhar was a big hit. Aditya Dhar was the director and he is among the best known names among his contemporaries,” as quoted by PTI.The Chief Minister said the government wants to make a large-scale Hindi film that introduces Lachit Borphukan’s story to global audiences.“I think if our government can produce a film on Lachit Borphukan, we can make his heroics known globally. And, it will be a special achievement for us,” he said.
Sarma also revealed that Dhar is expected to visit Assam in August to hold further discussions about the project.However, he clarified that the biopic will move forward even if Dhar is ultimately unable to direct it.“If Aditya Dhar is unable to direct the film, we will approach other directors. The objective is to ensure that a grand biopic on Lachit Borphukan is made,” he said.The proposed project is part of the Assam government’s larger initiative to promote the state’s history through cinema. In its 2026-27 Budget, the government announced plans to support films based on the lives of Lachit Borphukan and freedom fighter Kushal Konwar.As of now, Aditya Dhar has not publicly responded to the Chief Minister’s announcement or confirmed his next directorial venture after the success of Dhurandhar: The Revenge.
