Bhupen Hazarika, (1926-2011)

Born in Sadiya, Assam. Most important Assamese singer and composer in post- Independence period. Deeply influenced by Paul Robeson. Child actor in Agarwala’s second film, Indramalati (1939). Degree from Benares University (1946); doctorate at Columbia University with a thesis on the role of mass communication in India’s adult education (1952). Returned to lecture at Gauhati University, but resigned (1955) in favour of film-making and music. Member of Assam’s first IPTA provincial committee (with Agarwala, Bishnu Rabha and Phani Sarma, 1946). Released first record, Mahatmer Mahaprayam, in 1948. Major intervention in musical forms like Bihu (spring festival music), Ban-geet and Bar-geet (devotionals written by medieval Saint poets Shankara Deb and Madhab Deb), and plantation workers’ music. Toured Assam’s riotaffected areas with Hemango Biswas and their musical troupe (1960). Early films as music director were part of continuing collaboration with IPTA colleagues Rabha and Sarma, as was his directorial début, Era Bator Sur, starring Balraj Sahni. His Shakuntala starred the popular singer Khagan Mahato. His films are noted for tremendously popular music, often with singers from Bombay, e.g. Lata Mangeshkar in Era Bator Sur, Talat Mahmood in Pratidhwani and Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar and Mukesh in Chik Mik Bijuli. Mera Dharam Meri Maa was the first production of the newly formed state of Arunachal Pradesh. Member of Assamese State Legislative Assembly (1967-72). Edited art journal Gati 106 (1964-7), columnist on Amar Pratinidhi (1963- 80). Published several books of essays and anthologies of songs. Wrote and scored his own films, music director only on the others. Equally popular as a Bengali singer. In the 1990s associated mainly with the films/TV productions of Kalpana Lajmi.

FILMOGRAPHY (* also d): 1948: Siraj; Sati Behula; 1955: Pioli Phukan; Era Bator Sur*; 1957: Dhumuha; Kari-o-Komal; Jiban Trishna; 1958: Jonakir Alo; 1959: Mahut Bandhu Re*; Kecha Sone; Puwati Nishar Sapon; 1960: Dui Bechara; 1961: Shakuntala*; 1963: Maniram Dewan; 1964: Pratidhwani/Ka? Swarati*; 1966: Lati Ghati*; 1969: Chik Mik Bijuli*; 1971: Ekhane Pinjar; 1973: 27 Down; 1974: Aarop; Bristi; For Whom the Sun Shines* (Doc); 1975: Chameli Memsaab; Khoj; 1976: Dampati; Mera Dharam Meri Maa*; Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Aru Joymati*; Palasor Rong; 1977: Banahansa; Through Melody and Rhythm* (Doc); 1978: Banjoi; 1979: Mon Prajapati*; Chameli Memsahib; Chhat Maiya Ki Mahima; 1980: Akan; 1981: Nagpash; 1982: Aparoopa/Apeksha; 1983: Deepar Prem (only act.); 1985: Angikar; 1986: Sankalpa; Ek Pal; Swikarokti* (Sh); 1988: Siraj*; Lohit Kinare (TV); 1992: Rudali; 1994: Sopan; Gajamukta; 1995: Boumoni.

Music