Listening to “Manuhe Manuhor Babe, Ganga, Amar Xomajor…” and a countless many brings a sense of nostalgia in every Assamese across the globe. These lyrics remind everyone about the taste of Assamese soil that they are associated with, no matter wherever they stay. And these words were written by none other than our very own and beloved Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, who perhaps was an individual whose essence and charisma gave Assam a worldwide recognition. A multifaceted genius, he was also a poet, music composer, singer, actor, journalist, author and film-maker of the very highest repute. He has been therefore, hailed as the uncrowned king of North-Eastern India’s cultural world.He was the face of Assamese music and literature scene for decades till he passed away on 5th November,2011.
His life in brief:
Bhupen Hazarika was the most well-known personality from Assam. He was born in 1926, in Sadiya, Assam & he held an M.A. degree in Political Science from Benaras Hindu University, and a PhD in Mass Communication from the Columbia University, New York, where he came in contact with,and was greatly influenced by, Paul Robeson. He recorded his first L.P at the age of 10 and acted in the second Assamese movie ‘Indramalati’ in 1939.
His Career in Music:
Bhupen Hazarika has composed music and sung for the highest number of Assamese films made in the past 4 decades. He has rendered music, written lyrics and sung for numerous Assamese movies like ‘Era Batar Sur’ in 1956, ‘Shakuntala’ in 1960, ‘Pratidhwani’ in 1964, ‘Lotighoti’ in 1967, ‘Chick Mick Bijuli’ in 1971, ‘Mon Projapati’ in 1978, ‘Swikarokti’ in 1986, ‘Siraj’ in 1988. He also directed, and composed music for Arunachal Pradesh’s first Hindi feature film in colour ‘Mera Dharam Meri Maa’ in 1977. He directed a colour documentary for the Arunachal Pradesh Government on Tribal folk songs and dances entitled ‘For Whom The Sun Shines’ in 1974.
Awards:
- Dada Saheb Phalke Award, in 1994.
- President’s National Award for the best filmmaker for ‘Shakuntala’, ‘Pratidhwani’, and ‘Loti Ghoti’ in 1960, 1964 and 1967 respectively.
- Arunachal Pradesh Government’s Gold Medal in 1977 for his outstanding contribution towards Tribal Welfare, and Upliftment of Tribal Culture through cinema and music.
- Won the National Award as best music composer in India in 1977 for the Assamese film ‘Chameli Memsaab’.
Pan India accomplishments:
- Has directed music in outstanding Bengali films, such as ‘Jiban Trishna’, ‘Jonakir Alo’, ‘Mahut Bandhure’, ‘Kari o Komal’, ‘Asamapta’, ‘Ekhane Pinjar’, ‘Dampati’, ‘Chameli Memsaab’, ‘Dui’, ‘Bechara’
- Also composed many songs for hindi movies as well. His bollywood films include ‘Arop’, ‘Ek Pal’, and ‘Rudaali’starring Dimple Kapadia, Raj Babbar, Amjad Khan and Rakhi. He gave music for Sai Paranjype’s Hindi feature film ‘Papiha’ and Bimal Dutt’s Hindi feature film ‘Pratimurti’
- He has composed music for Plus Channel’s Hindi feature film ‘mil Gayee Manzil Mujhe’ directed by Lekh Tandon starring Meenakshi Sheshadri in 1996. That very year he has also composed for Hindi feature film ‘Saaz’ directed by Sai Paranjype starring Shabana Azmi & Pan Pictures Hindi feature film ‘Darmiyaan’ starring Kiron Kher and Tabu directed and written by Kalpana Lajmi
- In 1998 he has composed music for Hindi feature film ‘Gajagamini’ Written and Directed by eminent painter Mr. M. F. Hussain
Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s eternal remains are buried at the memorial at Jalukbari near Guwahati in Assam. A calm and serene environment that has been converted to a Memorial Park recently and his soulful music plays across the gushing waters of the fountain that is located in the memorial in Assam.
Jungleideas welcomes you to India’s North East to pay tribute to the one of the Greatest Son of Assam at the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Samadhikshetra, Guwahati, Assam, Incredible India!
