Google celebrates Bard of Brahmaputra Bhupen Hazarika's 96th birth anniversary today
Who doesn't know Bhupen Hazarika? It was a rhetorical question.. The SudhaKanta (translated to nectar-throated) of India — Hazarika was a renowned musician, a skilled playback singer, prolific lyricist and filmmaker. Hailing from Assam's Tinsukia district, this Bharat Ratna recipient is often referred to as the uncrowned king of North-East India's cultural world.
A stalwart of Assamese culture, Hazarika was born on September 8 and would've turned 96 today! His brainchild Rudaali's 'Dil Hoom Hoom Karein' continues to rule the hearts of true art lovers and his musical legacy has made him immortal till date.
Ballad of Brahmaputra
A musical maestro, Hazarika wrote and composed soulful melodies that have been translated in numerous languages, and are immensely famous in Assam, West Bengal and Bangladesh. He was often referred to as the 'Bard of Brahmaputra' and has engendered music for more than 100 films.
"As a child, Hazarika grew up surrounded by songs and folk tales about life along the mighty Brahmaputra river," wrote Google.
Hazarika was a child prodigy who got recognised at the mere age of 10. He gained the attention of eminent Assamese lyricist, Jyotiprasad Agarwala, and renowned filmmaker Bishnu Prasad Rabha, who helped the virtuoso record his first song. He went on to write and record music for films like Biswo Bijoyi Naujawan, Indramalati and Kaxote Kolosi Loi at the young age of 12.
The love of telling stories through his songs, Hazarika excelled in bringing out emotions of bliss, gloom, brotherhood, romance, loneliness, determination, and so on.
Lifetime achievements
Besides being bestowed with the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna, Hazarika has been conferred with Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. Hazarika garnered countless accolades in his life, including National Film Award for Best Music Direction, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Dada Saheb Phalke Award.
The 'Ganga Behti Hai Kyun' genius was also an academic achiever. He completed his BA and MA in Political History from Banaras Hindu University, to further receive his doctorate (PhD) in Mass Communication from Columbia University. Above all, he received Lisle Fellowship from Chicago University.
His musical creations include the much adored songs like Ganga Amar Ma, Ami Ek Jajabar, Ek Kali Do Pattiyan, and Aaj Jiban Khunje.
"Happy birthday, Bhupen Hazarika! Your songs and films continue to command respect for Assam’s rich culture," Google celebrated Hazarika's 96th birthday with a Doodle.
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