GUWAHATI, September 3: Dhiru Bhuyan, celebrated actor and director of films, AIR plays and TV serials, passed away today at his Uzanbazar residence here after protracted illness. He was 56. Born in a renowned Assamese family of Uzanbazar, Dhiru Bhuyan had developed a penchant for acting from his very childhood. Bhuyan made remarkable contributions in the field of Assamese culture. Professionally, he joined AIR Guwahati as casual announcer in 1962, became regular announcer in 1966, and served as senior programme announcer till his death. His first appearance on screen was as a child artiste in Lakshyadhar Chowdhury's Assamese film Nimila Anka. He subsequently appeared in Anwar Hussain's Sarapat. Thereafter, Bhuyan never looked back. His talent was exposed gradually with his remarkable performance in films like Lalita Abhijan, Ratanlal, Jog Biyog, Srimanta Mahimamoyee, Kazirangar Kahini and Hridaya Proyojawete. He made his directorial venture with the film Pratham Ragini, which won the National Award for the Best Regional Film. Besides, Bhuyan had a number of successful stage plays to his credit- which bore the touches of a perfectionist-director. He was one of the founders of Pragati Silpi Sangha- a well known cultural organisation of the city. He leaves behind one son, one daughter and his wife.