Spotlight on Talent: Utpal Datta Honored with the Coveted Amulya Manna Photography Award

The esteemed Amulya Manna Photography Award 2025 will celebrate the distinguished photographer, filmmaker, and National Award-winning cinema critic Utpal Datta for his exceptional contributions to visual storytelling. In a recent press statement, the Amulya Manna Memorial Society emphasized Datta’s impressive accomplishments and announced the award, which will be conferred on the commemoration of Amulya Manna’s death anniversary.

Established to acknowledge and honor remarkable photographers, the award has previously been awarded to prominent figures such as Shri Nalini Baruah, Samir Chowdhury, Mahendra Baruah, and filmmaker Suman Duwara since its inception in 2021. This year’s recognition comes with a monetary reward of ₹20,000, a certificate, and a memorial, highlighting the importance of Datta’s lifelong commitment to the art.

Utpal Datta’s path in photography is both motivating and rooted in tradition. His enthusiasm was sparked by his father, Golok Chandra Datta, a photographer from whom he obtained his initial teachings. In 1975, while still a young student, Utpal had his photograph published in Assam Bani, marking the start of an illustrious career. Throughout his college years, he contributed images to notable newspapers and magazines such as Bismoi and Roopkar, displaying his distinctive artistic perspective.

Datta’s adaptability also reached the film industry, where he worked as a stills cinematographer for Bhabendra Nath Saikia’s renowned films Kolahal and Sarathi, with his images permanently featured in film posters. His work on Priyajan and Baroshi further reinforced his reputation as an expert behind the camera. The Utpal-Dhanjit Calendar, released annually since 2009 and showcasing his evocative imagery, has gained national acclaim and recognition.

Apart from photography, Datta’s creativity shines in his short films, which have been presented at esteemed national and international film festivals, earning him awards, including the State Film Award. Last year, his solo exhibition in Guwahati garnered widespread appreciation, further solidifying his legacy as a visionary artist.

The Amulya Manna Photography Award is a deserving homage to Utpal Datta’s remarkable contributions to the arts, inspiring countless artists to strive for excellence.