Veteran Assamese actress and theatre artiste Chetana Das received the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2026 from President Droupadi Murmu at an investiture ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday.
Das was honoured in the Theatre–Acting category for her distinguished contribution to Assamese theatre and cinema spanning several decades. She was among the artistes recognised at the ceremony for their outstanding and sustained contributions to India's performing arts.
Born in Shillong, Das began her acting journey with Jyoti Prasad Agarwala's play Sunit Konwori and went on to establish herself as a prominent figure in Assamese theatre and cinema. She is particularly known for her comic performances and her longstanding association with the state's performing arts.
Das was among three artistes from Assam selected for the 2025 Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, including Sattriya exponents Mallika Kandali and Bhaskar Jyoti Oja, who were selected for these national honours recognizing excellence in the performing arts.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, along with a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
