Nuruddin Ahmed

Nuruddin Ahmed (born 17 January 1958) is an Indian stage designer and art director from the state of Assam. He is one of the pioneers of modern stage design in Assamese theatre with contributions to the development of the state's mobile theatre movement.

The recipient of the 2017 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contributions to Indian stagecraft and the 2026 Padma Shri award, Ahmed has designed stages for several theatre performances and cultural productions in Assam and other parts of the country.

Early life and education Nuruddin Ahmed was born on 17 January 1958 in Sathikuchi village in the Nalbari district of Assam, India. According to reports, Ahmed has designed sets for more than 4,000 theatre productions and has worked on numerous cultural events and stage productions throughout the region.

Ahmed has also designed stage productions for amateur and professional theatre groups, contributed to film productions and created cultural tableaux for national events such as Republic Day parades.

Artistic style and influence Ahmed’s artistic approach combines traditional Assamese visual motifs with contemporary stage technology. His scenography is known for incorporating elements from regional folk culture, religious performance traditions such as Ankia Bhaona, and modern theatrical techniques.

His contributions have played a major role in strengthening Assam’s mobile theatre movement, which brings theatrical performances to towns and villages across the state. Colleagues and critics often describe him as an innovator who helped redefine stagecraft in Assamese theatre.

Awards and honours Ahmed has received several national and regional honours for his contribution to Indian theatre and visual arts.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award – 2017, for contribution to stagecraft in Indian theatre. Padma Shri – 2026, awarded by the Government of India for contributions to art and culture.