Dr Bhupen Hazarika passes away, a big loss to the folk music of North-east India
He received the National Award for Best Music Director in 1976 for Chameli Memsaab and President's medal for his films Shakuntala (1960), Pratidhwani (1964) and Lotighoti (1967). He was a member of the Assam Legislative Assembly from 1967-72.
THE GOLDEN voice from the north-east India which captivated millions of hearts across the globe is silent now. Dr Bhupen Hazarika, the 'bard of Brahmaputra' as he used to call himself, noted lyricist, composer, filmmaker and singer from Assam, who enthralled not only the Indian music lovers but had a huge fan following even in the western nations, with his baritone voice and a distinct style of singing, passed away here in Mumbai on Friday. It was like the end of an era. Dr. Hazarika was hospitalized in the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute in Mumbai on June 30, 2011. He was admitted to the ICU on 30th June 2011 and he died following multi-organ failure on 5th November 2011 at the age of 85 years.
Dr Bhupen Hazarika who was born in Assam on September 8, 1926 in a village called Sadiya. He had passion for music since childhood and after completing his post-graduation from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in political science in 1946, he went to United States of America (USA) to earn a Ph.D which he did from the Columbia University in New York.
Dr Hazarika was avid nature lover and he had special love for the river Ganges. He did many folk songs on this river describing the beauty and importance of this holy river. He worked really hard to give a place to the folk of north-eastern states especially Assam where he was born and spend most of his childhood.
The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, in his condolence message said, “In Dr Hazarika’s sad demise, India has lost one of its most gifted artists. Dr Hazarika’s extraordinary talent encompassed not only music and literature but also cinema acting and direction. His contribution greatly enriched our cultural landscape and his influence on Assamese culture was particularly profound. The reverence with which Dr Hazarika was looked upto and the innumerable awards that he received are a tribute to his dazzling brilliance and creativity, and his love for the people. The void that Dr Hazarika’s passing away has caused will never be filled.”
Dr Hazarika received Dada Saheb Phalke award in 1992 and the Padma Bhushan in 2001. Besides he was conferred as the first Indian Music Director for best music internationally for the film Rudaali at the Asia Pacific International Film Festival at Japan in 1993.
He produced and directed, composed music and sang for Assamese films like Era Batar Sur, Shakuntala, Loti ghoti, Pratidhwani, Chick Mick Bijuli, Swikarokti and Siraj. His most famous Hindi films include his long-time companion Kalpana Lajmi's Rudaali, Ek Pal, Darmiyaan, Daman and Kyon, Sai Paranjpe's Papiha and Saaz, Mil Gayee Manzil Mujhe and MF Husain's Gajagamini.
Dr Hazaraika will always live in our hearts and will be remembered as one of the true folk artist from the north-east who did a lot to conserve and promote the rich culture of north-eastern states at the world level.
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