Dr Bhupen Hazarika, who was posthumously honoured by the highest civilian award of India, the Bharat Ratna was a singer, poet, lyricist, actor, writer, and filmmaker, who won the hearts of the people not only in his native nation Assam or India but across the world. He is considered a legend as his song resonates among music lovers of all ages.
His song is very popular because the radiates the message of justice, harmony, and brotherhood. He popularized India’s musical tradition whole over the world. Hazarika, who was very popular as a musician, was born on 8 September 1926 to Nilakanta and Shantipriya Hazarika in Sadiya, Assam. Bhupen Hazarika was exposed to the musical influence of his mother, who introduced him to the Traditional Music of Assam., Bhupen Hazarika spent his early childhood in Guwahati.
In 1932, his father further transferred to Dhubri and in 1935 to Tezpur. In Tezpur Bhupen Hazarika, a 10-years old boy was discovered by Jyotiprasad Agarwala, the noted Assamese lyricist, playwright and the first Assamese filmmaker, and Bishnu Prasad Rabha, renowned Assamese artist and revolutionary poet, where he sang a Borgelt. He recorded his first song at Aurora Studio for the Selena Company by the blessings of them. This is the beginning of his artistic growth. He completed his BA and MA from Cotton college and Banaras Hindu university respectively.
As a singer, Hazarika was known for his voice; as a lyricist, he was known for poetic compositions which touched on themes ranging from romance to social and political commentary; and as a composer, for his use of folk music. He was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Academy award, Dada Saheb Phalke award, Padmashri, Padam Bhushan, Assam Ratna, and Padam Vibhuson. He died of multi-organ failure on 5 November 2011.
