Bhupen Hazarika

Biography:

Bhupen Hazarika, fondly known as Sudha Kontho (“nectar-throated”), was a versatile figure hailing from Assam, India, with an array of talents. Born on September 8, 1926, and passing away on November 5, 2011, Hazarika’s contributions extended across numerous domains including playback singing, lyricism, music composition, poetry, acting, visual arts, editing, filmmaking, academia, and politics.

Renowned for his songs predominantly sung and written in Assamese, Hazarika’s compositions were a reflection of humanity, universal brotherhood, communal harmony, and empathy. His music transcended language barriers and resonated across regions, especially in Assam, West Bengal, and Bangladesh. He was instrumental in introducing Assamese and Northeast Indian culture and folk music to a wider audience through Hindi cinema at the national level.

Throughout his illustrious career, Hazarika received multiple accolades for his exceptional contributions. Some of his notable awards include the National Film Award for Best Music Direction in 1975, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987, Padma Shri in 1977, Padma Bhushan in 2001, Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1992 (the highest honor for cinema in India), and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 2008, the highest recognition by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Posthumously, Hazarika was honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 2012, India’s second-highest civilian award, and the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian award, in 2019. He also served as the Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi from December 1998 to December 2003, leaving behind an enduring legacy of cultural enrichment and social harmony through his multifaceted contributions.