Eli Ahmed is an Indian writer, scriptwriter, director, lyricist, costume designer, actress and social activist. Since 1970 she has been the editor, publisher and proprietor of Orani, the only women's magazine in Northeast India. She was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2017 for her contribution to literature and education.
Eli Ahmed was born to an aristocratic family in Nazira on March 14, 1934. Her roots grew from one of the five Parsi families referred to in Medini Mohan Choudhury's book Luit, Barak and Islam. Her father Abdur Rashid, was a surgeon. She lost her mother at a young age. She moved to Guwahati in 1965 to interview for a position at a childcare center.
From an early age she recited her poems. In 1967, she formed a children's cultural group named Rong Chora and performed cultural programmes across Assam. The same year, she organised the state's first womenâÂÂs drama group.
Her first musical feature, Bhagyor Chokori Ghure, was performed in the Nazira session of the Asam Sahitya Sabha in 1962. She made her mark as a lyricist with Dwipen Barua's song "Ga Ga Aji Gai Jaa Ei Geetoke Ga: in Dr. Bezbaruah.
She has written lyrics for films including Baruar Sansar, Sonmoina, Sadari, Sonmaina, Bordoichilla, Zakhinee, Pratidin, Devata, and Dr. Bezbaruah 2, and the television serials Gadhuli, Sahual, and Apabad.
She was the scriptwriter for Assamese films such as Baruar Sansar, Devata, Dhrubatora, Bordoichila, Janambhumi, Mukhagnee/Mukahgni, Jakhini, Bonful/Bonphool, and Rickshawala. She also scripted the documentary films Old Monuments of Ahom Age, Child Psychology, Mahasheeta, Syed Abdul Malik, and The Milk.
She was art director and costume designer for many films.
She has to her credit several successful dramas:
Her books include:
Ahmed has written over 1,000 poems, stories, and articles for various Assameese newspapers, and has multiple columns in local dailies.