As I take a moment to reflect on Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s legacy on his death anniversary, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and deep veneration for the musical genius, whose name I first learned from my late father, who often played his timeless classics on our HMV record player, thereby introducing me to the legendary Bard of the Brahmaputra. My father, a devoted fan of Bhupen da (as he was fondly called) , spoke of him with such admiration that the image of this remarkable artist became woven into my early memories. To us, Dr.Bhupen Hazarika was not just a musician; he was a cultural phenomenon, a voice for the voiceless, and a treasure to Assam and beyond.
Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s life was indeed an extraordinary journey, one that began with a spark of genius that showed itself at an early age. At just 12 years old, Bhupen da sang his first song in a film, Indramalati (1939), by Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, a revered playwright & songwriter in Assam’s artistic landscape ~ Kaxate Kolosi loi and Bishwa Bijoy Nawjowan. This early step into the world of music and cinema hinted at the greatness that lay ahead. Under the wings of giants like Agarwala and ‘Kolaguru’ Bishnu Prasad Rabha, another illustrious artist of Assam, young Bhupen’s artistic spirit was nurtured and inspired. These mentors imbued in him a sense of pride in his heritage and a profound empathy for his people — qualities that would echo throughout his life’s work.
As I reflect on his journey, I cannot help but marvel at the diversity of his experiences and the breadth of his connections. During his time in America (1940s & 1950s), where he pursued his PhD in Mass Communication at Columbia University (New York), Bhupen da formed a cherished friendship with none other than Paul Robeson, the American singer, actor, and civil rights activist. This friendship was more than just a meeting of two artists; it was a meeting of two kindred spirits who shared a vision of social justice and a belief in the transformative power of art. Robeson’s influence would remain with Bhupen da, inspiring his adaptation of ‘Old Man River’ into Bistirno Parore(1969), a song that became an anthem for resilience and struggle for the people of Assam. Dr.Bhupen Hazarika’s use of music as an instrument of social change was similar to Robeson’s, who once told Hazarika, “Guitar is not a musical instrument, it is a social instrument”.
A River and a Voice, Both Timeless :
Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was born in Sadiya, on the banks of the Brahmaputra in 1926, a river that would not just be a setting for his childhood but the eternal metaphor of his life and art. Just as the Brahmaputra carves its way through Assam, nourishing the land and embodying its resilience, Dr.Hazarika’s voice and verses found their way into the hearts of the people, shaping their collective consciousness. He became not just a singer or songwriter, but a storyteller, a custodian of Assamese culture, and a social reformer through his art. The Brahmaputra is a river with depth and mystery, and Dr.Hazarika’s songs reflect this very essence. His compositions were rivers of melody, filled with tales of love, sorrow, protest, and pride.
In Manuhe Manuhar Babe, Bhupen da’s lyrics are a call to compassion, a plea for kindness. This song speaks of humanity’s highest virtue — the ability to love and care for others. His words ring with a timeless appeal for empathy, imploring us to see beyond divisions and embrace one another as kin. Kota Juwanor Mrityu Hol, on the other hand, explores the darker undercurrents of life, speaking to the anguish and loss experienced by countless young lives cut short. It is a lament, a haunting reminder of the sacrifices made by the youth in times of strife. This song mourns not just individual lives but the unfulfilled potential of generations, capturing the sorrow and waste of human conflict. There was another remarkable song Moi Eti Jazabar (I am a nomad), which attracted me most through its sheer composition and reference to many significant geographical & literary symbols, of this world.
Through these songs, Dr.Hazarika tapped into the depths of human emotions — from compassion and unity to sorrow and regret. Each song he penned and sang was like a tributary, contributing to the vast delta of his legacy. Dr. Hazarika’s approach to music was also deeply rooted in humanism. Much like his contemporary, Bob Dylan, he used his art to comment on social issues, often advocating for peace, unity, and harmony.
Dr.Hazarika’s music was never meant to be just melody; it was a means to narrate stories, invoke emotions, and ignite the flame of social consciousness. His following spanned the globe, his music reaching across borders and touching countless lives. One of his most iconic compositions, ‘We are in the same boat, brother; when you rock one side, you rock the other’, resonates as a powerful anthem of universal brotherhood. This song evokes a profound sense of shared humanity and interconnectedness, reminding us all, that our actions are woven into the lives of others. His baritone voice resounded with the spirit of the common man, and his songs carried the weight of generations, giving voice to their struggles, their hopes, and their dreams.
An Ambassador of Assamese Culture:
As Dr.Hazarika rose to fame, he became a cultural ambassador for Assam, carrying its music, folklore, and heritage to the rest of India and the world.
Through his cinematic work as a director, singer, and composer, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika made Assamese films accessible and relatable to national and international audiences. His President’s National Award-winning films such as Shakuntala(1960), Pratidhwani (1964) and Loti Ghoti (1967) were cultural beacons that introduced Assamese life and folklore to a broader audience, transcending regional boundaries. His song Dil Hoom Hoom Kare from the film Rudaali (1993) is still remembered as an emotional masterpiece, demonstrating his ability to touch audiences far beyond his homeland.
A Personality as Grand as His Voice :
Meeting Bhupen da was like experiencing a whirlwind – a force of nature that left a lasting impression. I feel privileged to have crossed paths with him twice, with our last encounter being in 2009 at a magazine launch, during my tenure at The Times of India.
He was as commanding in presence as the Brahmaputra itself — gentle and nurturing, yet filled with a passion and energy that could sweep away everything in its path. Those who knew him speak of his warmth, humility, and zest for life. He was as comfortable sharing tales with a tea laborer and also engaging in intellectual debates with scholars. His humility was matched only by his generosity, and his friends and fans remember him as a man who listened as much as he spoke, a rare quality in a world often more interested in speaking than hearing. Bharat Ratna awardee, Dr. Hazarika’s life was a harmonious blend of art, activism, and academia. Today, as we all remember him, I am struck by how this amazing personality ‘still’ continues to touch lives across generations and geographies.
Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was a bridge, connecting Assam with the wider world, and reminding us all that the human experience is universal. His art was legendary, yes, but more than that, it was human. It spoke to our hearts, our struggles, and our dreams, and that is why his legacy endures.
