Who is Lachit Borphukan? Assam CM says Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar has been approached for a biopic on the Ahom leader who defeated the Mughals.
Legendary Ahom commander Lachit Borphukan, who led the forces of Assam to a historic victory against the Mughals at the Battle of Saraghat, could soon have his life brought to life on the big screen.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has revealed that director Aditya Dhar has been approached to direct a major Hindi biopic on the famous military leader.Speaking during a Facebook Live session, the Prime Minister said the government wants to bring Lachit Borphukan’s extraordinary story to audiences across India and the world.
Who is 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 24 November 1622 at Charadeo, he was the youngest son of Momai Tamuli Borbarua, the supreme commander of the Ahom army under King Pratap Singha, and Kunti Moran. Raised during the long Mughal-Ahom conflicts, Laschet received training in military strategy, governance, economics, Ahom scriptures, and religion, which prepared him for a life of public service.He rose steadily through several key administrative and military positions, serving as Hansidhara Tamuli, Gora Baruah, Chimalogoriya Phukan, and Dholakacharya Baruah, before being appointed by King Chakradwaj Singha Borphukan, or Commander-in-Chief of the Ahom Army.
After being commissioned to reclaim Guwahati from the Mughals, the king presented him with a ceremonial sword with a golden hilt (hengdang) as a mark of distinction.Lachit earned lasting recognition for leading the Ahom forces to victory over the Mughal Empire at the historic Battle of Saraghat in 1671, one of the most important military victories in Indian history. Facing a much larger Mughal force led by Raja Ram Singh I, sent by Emperor Aurangzeb, Lachit relied on guerrilla tactics and his deep understanding of the Brahmaputra River to overcome the numerical disadvantage.Despite suffering from a serious illness during the crucial stages of the campaign, Laschet personally boarded a gunboat when some of his soldiers began to retreat. According to historical accounts, he rallied his forces by declaring that he would rather die in the line of 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 the Mongol expansion into Assam.Lachit Borphukan died about a year after the victory of natural causes. His monument, Lachit Maidam, was built in 1672 at Hoolungapara near Jorhat. His leadership and sacrifices continue to inspire generations, and Lachit Divas are celebrated every year on November 24 across Assam to commemorate his birth, heroism and victory at Saraghat. His legacy is also honored at the national level through the Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal, awarded annually at the National Defense Academy to a cadet who demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities, reflecting the ideals by which the legendary leader is remembered.
Aditya Dhar approached Lachit Borphukan biographical film
Sharing details about the proposed film, Himanta Biswa Sarma said that discussions with Aditya Dhar have already begun.Referring to the film, which achieved great success recently, he said: “The film Dhurandhar was a huge hit. Aditya Dhar was the director and is among the most famous names among his contemporaries.” As quoted by PTI.The Prime Minister said that the government wants to produce a large-scale Hindi film that will bring the story of Lachit Borphukan to global audiences.“I believe that if our government can make a movie about Lachit Borphukan, we can make his heroic deeds known globally. It will be a special achievement for us,” He said.
Sarma also revealed that Dhar is expected to visit Assam in August for further discussions on the project.However, he made it clear that the biopic will go ahead even if Dhar is ultimately unable to direct it.“If Aditya Dhar is not able to direct the film, we will approach other directors.
The goal is to ensure that a major biopic is made on Lachit Borphukan,” He said.The proposed project is part of a larger initiative of the Assam government to promote the state’s history through cinema. In its budget for 2026-27, the government announced plans to support films based on the life of Lachit Borphukan and freedom fighter Kushal Kunwar.As of now, Aditya Dhar has not publicly responded to the Prime Minister’s announcement or confirmed his next directorial project after the success of Dhurandhar: The Revenge.