Legendary Ahom commander Lachit Borphukan, who led the Assamese forces to a historic victory against the Mughals at the Battle of Saraighat, may soon bring his life to the big screen. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has revealed this filmmaker Aditya Dhar has been approached to direct a major Hindi biopic on the famous military leader.Speaking during a Facebook Live session, the Chief Minister said that the government wants to present the extraordinary story of Lachit Borphukan to the Indian and global audience.
Who was Lachit Borphukan?
Lachit Borphukan is revered as one of the greatest military commanders of Assam and is remembered as a symbol of courage, patriotism and selfless leadership. Born on 24 November 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, government, economics, Ahom scriptures and religion, preparing him for a life of public service.He rose steadily through various key administrative and military positions, serving as Hanstidhara Tamuli, Ghura Baruah, Shimaluguria Phukan and Dulakasharia Baruah, before King Chakradhwaj Singha appointed him Borphukan, or commander-in-chief of the Ahom army. Entrusted to recapture Guwahati from the Mughals, the king presented him with a gold-hilted ceremonial sword (Hengdang) as a mark of distinction.Lachit gained lasting recognition for leading the Ahom forces to victory over the Mughal Empire at the historic Battle of Saraighat in 1671, one of the most important 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 serious illness during the decisive stages of the campaign, Lachit personally boarded a warship when some of his soldiers began to retreat. According to historical accounts, he rallied his troops declaring that he would rather die doing his duty to his king and country than leave 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 of 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 in Assam to commemorate his birth, heroism and victory at Saraighat. His legacy is also honored nationally through the Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal, awarded annually at the National Defense Academy to a cadet who demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities, reflecting the ideals for which the legendary commander is remembered.
Aditya Dhar approached Biography of Lachit Borphukan
Sharing details about the proposed film, Himanta Biswa Sarma said that discussions with Aditya Dhar have already started.Referring to Dhar’s recent blockbuster, he said, “The film Dhurandhar was a huge hit. Aditya Dhar was the director and is among the most well-known names among his contemporaries,” as quoted by PTI.The Chief Minister said that the government wants to make a large-scale Hindi film that will present the story of Lachit Borphukan to the global audience.“I think if our government can produce a film on Lachit Borphukan, we will be able to make his heroism 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 on the project.However, he clarified that the biopic will go ahead even if Dhar is ultimately unable to direct it.“If Aditya Dhar cannot direct the film, we will approach other directors. The aim is to ensure that a big biopic is made on Lachit Borphukan,” 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.So far, 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.