Bhupen Hazarika, a multifaceted Indian genius, left an indelible mark on music, film, and politics. His contributions to Assamese culture and beyond are legendary.
Wiki/Biography
Bhupen Hazarika was born on Wednesday, 8 September 1926 (aged 85 years at the time of his death) in Sadiya, Assam Province, British India. His zodiac sign was Virgo. He completed his schooling in Guwahati, Dhubri, and Tezpur, before pursuing higher education at Cotton College and Banaras Hindu University. He later secured a scholarship to Columbia University in New York, where he earned a PhD in Rural Education and Mass Communication in 1952. His doctoral thesis focused on integrating audio-visual techniques into adult education in India. He also received a Lisle Fellowship from the University of Chicago to study educational project development through cinema. His early life was deeply influenced by his mother, who introduced him to traditional Assamese music and lullabies.
Physical Appearance
- Eye Colour: Light Brown
- Hair Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Wife
Bhupen Hazarika hailed from the Kaibarta community. His father, Nilakanta Hazarika, was a teacher, and his mother’s name was Shantipriya Hazarika. He was the eldest of ten siblings, including Jayanta, Samar, Sushma, and Sudakshina Hazarika. While rumored to have had relationships with Lata Mangeshkar and Kalpana Lajmi, he married Priyamvada Patel in 1950. They had a son, Tej Hazarika.
Film Career
After his education, Bhupen Hazarika worked briefly as a teacher before moving to Kolkata, where he established himself as a prominent music director and singer. He recorded his first song at Aurora Studio for the Selona Company in 1936 at the age of 12. His early work included songs for the film “Indramalati (1939).” He made his debut as a music composer with “Aarop (1974),” and went on to create memorable scores for films like “Ek Pal (1986),” “Rudaali (1993),” and “Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence (2001).” His musical contributions extended to numerous Bangladeshi films as well. His prolific career also encompassed directing, producing, acting, and writing, showcasing his remarkable versatility.
His directorial debut was “Era Bator Sur (1956),” followed by films like “Shakuntala Sur (1961)” and “Pratidhwani (1964).” He made his acting debut in “Ek Pal (1986),” which he also produced, and his debut as a writer was with “Chingaari” in 2006.
Political Career
Bhupen Hazarika served as an independent MLA from the Nauboicha Constituency in the Assam Legislative Assembly from 1967 to 1972. He later contested as a BJP candidate in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections from the Guwahati Constituency but lost to INC’s Kirip Chaliha.
Controversies
His career wasn’t without its controversies. In 2019, his son Tej criticized the Bharat Ratna award given posthumously to his father, citing the simultaneous passage of the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill as contradictory to his father’s beliefs. A separate controversy arose in 2009 over a song praising Tarun Gogoi’s government, contrasting with his earlier criticisms during the 2004 elections.
Awards, Honours & Titles
Bhupen Hazarika received numerous accolades throughout his life and posthumously. These include the Bharat Ratna (2019), Padma Vibhushan (2012), and numerous other prestigious awards. Several institutions and landmarks were named in his honor, reflecting his profound impact on Indian society.
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Bharat Ratna | 2019 (Posthumous) |
| Padma Vibhushan | 2012 (Posthumous) |
| Dadasaheb Phalke Award | 1992 |
| Padma Bhushan | 2001 |
| Padma Shri | 1977 |
Favourite Things
- Artists: Pablo Picasso, M. F. Husain
- Paintings: Picasso’s “The Tragedy,” “The Blue Nude,” “The Woman,” “Child by the Sea,” and “Le Celestina”; M. F. Husain’s “Saraswati”
- Movies: “Bicycle Thieves” (1948), “Black” (2005)
- Playwright: Vijay Tendulkar
- Plays: “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams
- Theatre Artist: Naseeruddin Shah
Signature
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Death
Bhupen Hazarika passed away on November 5, 2011, at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai due to multiple organ failure. His cremation took place near the Brahmaputra River on November 9, 2011.
Facts
Bhupen Hazarika was a multifaceted individual with a passion for collecting autographs, reading, writing, singing, and watching films. His early talent was evident when he sang Borgeet at age 10. He wrote his first song at 13 and had various experiences, including meeting influential figures like Paul Robeson and Pablo Picasso.
His life was filled with artistic collaborations, political involvement, and personal relationships that shaped his creative output and legacy. His impact extended to influencing musical genres and inspiring generations with his music and philosophy. His songs continue to resonate across India and Bangladesh, highlighting his lasting contribution to art and culture.
