2018-11-05 Mon

A multifaceted artist of India, Bhupen Hazarika was breathed his last on 5th November 2011. Known for his baritone voice and his trademark Nepali cap, he was respected nationwide, as a great balladeer and also came to be known as the ‘Bard of the Brahmaputra’.

Hazarika was born on September 8, 1926 in Sadiya, Assam. He is best described as an extraordinarily talented person who was playback singer, lyricist, musician, singer, poet and film-maker.

The uncrowned king of North-Eastern India whose ability to weave magic out of traditional Assamese music, gave songs like ‘Dil hoom hoom kare’ and ‘O Ganga behti ho’. He inspired millions across generations with the power and passion of his voice.

He received the National Film Award for Best Music Direction, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Padmashri, Padmabhushan, Dada Saheb Phalke by the Government of India and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship. He was also posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 2012. Hazarika also held the position of the Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi from December 1998 to December 2003.

Bhupen Hazarika was honoured with commemorative postage stamps by India post in 2013.

Image Source: Mintage World