Multifaceted Personality

Dr. Bhupen Hazarika

WE ALL know Dr. Bhupen Hazarika by his songs. Dr. Hazarika was also an accomplished filmmaker, author, political activist and journalist. A postgraduate in Political Science from Allahabad University and Ph.D. from Columbia University, USA, he also participated in India’s struggle for independence. He was awarded the ‘Padma Bhushan’ in 2001.

He sang his first song at the age of 11 for the second Assamese film ‘Indumalati’. and went on to sing 1,500 songs some of which he composed or produced.

The music of the film ‘Rudaali’ starring Dimple Kapadia and others won instant recognition. The song ‘Dil hoom hoom kare’ caught the imagination of listeners and critics. Dr. Hazarika was the executive producer and the music director of the film. He was an accomplished filmmaker.

For his contribution to cinema, he received the prestigious ‘Dada Saheb Phalke’ award. A rare feat indeed, for a man who started his career as a singer and a journalist.

Some of his Assamese films have won the National Award in several categories. He tried his hand at politics by contesting the assembly elections. However, he lost. Some experts believe that the people of Assam did not want Dr. Hazarika to lose his charm, humility and honesty by joining politics. He believed in the unification of the northeast as a single entity.

 He hosted and produced shows on the region to showcase its beauty. These shows were aired on Doordarshan. He wanted the people of the country to experience the rich cultural and social heritage of the region.

Dr. Bhupen Hazarika died of multiple organ failure on 5 November 2011. His achievements are an inspiration to several artistes of the country. In his death, he has left behind a legacy of perfection and uniqueness in the field of music and filmmaking.