Our Team
Manash Protim Neog
Hailing from Kachikata, North Lakhimpur, Assam, Manash Protim Neog is a National School of Drama (NSD) graduate (2009) specializing in Acting. Before NSD, he trained in Mime for three years under Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Moinul Hoque, performing at festivals and on television. A versatile artist, Manash is proficient in folk art forms like Puppetry and Assamese Bhaona. He has acted in and directed acclaimed theatrical productions, regional and national TV series, national commercials, and short films.
An author, he has written two books:
- Bharatiya Natya – Ek Samu Parichiti (Assamese, 2021)
- Performance Techniques of Ankiya Bhaona (English, 2021)
His contributions to theatre have earned him honors like the Natya Ratna Samman (Natya Academy, UP) and Aacharya Hazaari Prashad Dwivedi Samman (Sankalp, UP).
Drishana Kalita
Drishana Kalita founded PuppetPeople Assam in 2013 and has since led the group in using puppetry as a powerful medium to raise awareness on women’s rights, economic empowerment, girls’ education, the dangers of early marriage, and inclusivity. She scripts and directs her puppet plays, weaving compelling narratives that highlight critical issues such as the need for sanitary facilities in rural schools, eve-teasing, human trafficking, domestic violence, economic independence, and the challenges faced by girls with disabilities.
Drishana also pioneered the first-ever puppet play in Sadri, the language of Assam’s tea tribes/Adivasi community. These performances, staged across tea gardens, address gender inequality and the unique struggles of Adivasi women. Additionally, she created Ou Kunwori: Ek Notun Xadhu, the first puppet play campaign based on Assamese folklore, reimagining traditional tales through a feminist lens. Beyond puppetry, Drishana has co-authored Otters – Folktales, Myths, and Legends, a collection of 18 stories drawn from global folklore, as part of a project for preserving endangered Otters.
Kulabanti Bhuyan
Kulabanti Bhuyan is a veteran mobile theatre and television actress and affiliated as a drama artist in All India Radio. Currently engaged as a voice-over artist for PuppetPeople Assam, she continues to captivate audiences with her expressive storytelling. In addition to her acting prowess, she is also a talented singer, adding to her artistic versatility.
Navanit Nilavh
Navanit Nilavh from Dhemaji, Assam, is a versatile artist skilled in puppetry, acting, cinematography, direction, editing, and management. He holds a B.Voc in Acting (2019) from Jagiroad College and a B.Com in Management (2014). With rich industry experience, his creativity and expertise make him a dynamic force in performing and visual arts.
Dimpi Baruah
Dimpi Baruah, from Aradhal in Dhemaji, Assam, is a dedicated puppetry artist with a strong academic background, holding an M.A. in Sanskrit (2021) and an LL.B. (2023). With diverse experience in the performing arts, she has worked in puppet theatre, amateur theatre, along with television. Her passion helps bring depth and versatility to every role she takes on.
Jyotishman Koushik
Jyotishman Koushik, from Dergaon, Assam, is an puppetry professional with a Bachelor of Vocational Studies (B. Voc) in Acting from Jagiroad College, completed in 2021. Proficient in Assamese, Hindi, and English, he has diverse experience in the entertainment industry as a performer and assistant director. His work reflects a deep passion for storytelling across various mediums, contributing to both traditional and contemporary performing arts.
Abhilasha Neog
Abhilasha Neog is a skilled puppeteer and voice-over artist. A Master’s degree in Sociology from Cotton University gives her a deep understanding of social dynamics. She brings life to storytelling through puppetry and voice modulation, creating impactful performances. Her expertise in voice work and puppeteering engages audiences across different mediums.
Deep Jyoti Dutta
Deep Jyoti Dutta is a dedicated performing artist with a strong academic background in the arts. He earned his Master of Performing Arts from Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya and Bachelor of Performing Arts from Jagiroad College. Specializing in mime, he has honed his skills in expressive storytelling through movement, bringing characters and narratives to life without words.
Prabal Goswami
Prabal Goswami is a theatre artist and actor with a Master’s degree in Performing Arts (Theatre) from Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva Vishwavidyalaya (MSSV). Beyond puppetry, Prabal is skilled in Shaolin Kung-fu (Red Belt), modern and freestyle dance, swimming, and he is also proficient in guitar and other string instruments.