Bhupen Hazarika Remembered in Bangladesh

Friends, family members and fans recalled Dr Bhupen Hazarika and his eventful life at a commemorative programme held at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy recently.

Director General of the academy Liaquat Ali Lucky, Assamese cultural activist Dr Soumen Bharatia, Dr Timir Dey, Bhupen Hazarika’s younger sister Sudakshina Sarma, his nephew Rishiraj Sarma and others spoke at the programme that was organised by BSA marking the 7th death anniversary of Dr Hazarika.

They said that Dr Hazarika was a great artiste who tried to communicate with his listeners through his songs. The essence of his message was that nothing in life is greater than being respectful to other human beings.

Dr Bhupen Hazarika was born on September 8 in Assam in 1926 and died on November 5, 2011 at the age of 85.

Surjakanto Hazarika, who wrote Dr Bhupen Hazarika’s biography, said that family and friends affectionately called Bhupen ‘Boro Moyna’. He was gifted with a melodious voice since childhood and they loved to hear him at every occasion.

“Bhupen composed and penned hundreds of popular songs in Assamese and Bangla languages. He also directed films, acted on the silver screen, painted, taught philosophy at a university and above all advocated for the rights of disadvantaged people,” said Surjakanto Hazarika.

“Besides, Bhupen translated and sang from great singers, composers and writers like Paul Robson, Pete Seager, Mirza Galib, Lokman Fakir and Azan Fakir,” he added. Timir De said that the legendary artist made people aware of their rights through his music.

Dr Bhupen Hazarika’s younger sister Sudakshina Sarma thanked BSA for organising the programme.

“The love you showed to Dr Hazarika will not be forgotten,” said the 84-year-old artiste Sudakshina Sharma, who captivated a houseful audience performing at the programme. Rishiraj Sarma accompanied her on the harmonium.

“My uncle wrote this song after coming across a poor family on the footpath,” said Rishiraj while rendering the song Shihir Bheja.

Liaquat Ali Lucky, Abhijit Kumar Barua, Dr Sangeeta Kakoti and others also paid tribute to the artist singing his popular songs.

Besides, artistes of BSA presented a colourful dance recital at the show.