Bhupen Hazarika Death Anniversary: The Musical Legend and Pride of Assam

Bhupen Hazarika (8 September 1926 – 5 November 2011) was an influential figure in Indian music and culture. He was a prolific singer, songwriter, composer, poet, and filmmaker.

By Bollyy 05 Nov 2025 in Latest News

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Bhupen Hazarika Death Anniversary: Bhupen Hazarika (8 September 1926 – 5 November 2011) was an influential figure in Indian music and culture. He was a prolific singer, songwriter, composer, poet, and filmmaker who brought Indian folk music worldwide fame through his art. Hazarika is particularly known for widely popularizing Assamese music, but his popularity also extended to Hindi, Bengali, and other languages.

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Early Life and Education of Bhupen Hazarika

Google is celebrating the 96th birth anniversary of legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika with a Doodle. - P24 News India

Bhupen Hazarika was born in Sadiya, Assam. His childhood was spent on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, which left a deep impact on his music and compositions. He was a gifted child, and his interest in music was evident from an early age. At the age of 12, he sang for the Assamese film "Indramalati." Hazarika received his bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi. He then earned his PhD from Columbia University, New York, where he extensively studied folk music.

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Bhupen Hazarika's childhood and the influence of the Brahmaputra River

Bhupen Hazarika spent his childhood on the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. The influence of this river is clearly visible in his works. He once said that the Brahmaputra shaped not only his music but also his social sensitivity. His poems and songs were deeply emotionally connected to this river, and he always considered it a source of inspiration.

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Meeting at Columbia University

Ganga (Tribute to Bhupen Hazarika and Paul Robeson) by Jim Ankan and Ritwika - IndianMusicMug

When Bhupen Hazarika went to Columbia University in New York for higher education, he met the renowned singer Paul Robeson. This meeting proved to be an inspiration for him. Influenced by Robeson's thoughts and music, Hazarika prominently featured issues of equality and human rights in his songs. His famous song "Ganga Bahti Ho Kyon" reflects that experience, in which he questions the injustice and discrimination prevalent in society.

Bhupen Hazarika's film career started

Bhupen Hazarika began his career as a musician in Assamese cinema. The opportunity to sing for his first film was a thrilling one. He was only 12 years old when he got the chance to sing in the Assamese film "Indramalati." This experience proved to be a defining moment in his life, and he decided to make music his life's mission.

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Love and Marriage of Bhupen Hazarika

Birth Anniversary: Know why the relationship between Bhupen Hazarika and his wife Priyamvada was broken.

Bhupen Hazarika's personal life was also quite interesting. He met his wife, Priyamvada Patel, in America. They married, but their relationship deteriorated over time. The complexities of his relationship and family conflicts were among the bitter experiences of his life, and this also influenced his art. However, he found a way to express his feelings through song.

Bhupen Hazarika is vocal on social issues

There's also an anecdote that Bhupen Hazarika was moved by the plight of the tea plantation workers in Assam. He incorporated their suffering into his songs. His voice gave voice to those oppressed in society. He believed that music was not merely a means of entertainment but a powerful tool for social change.