Google celebrates the 96th birthday of Dr Bhupen Hazarika – an Assamese-Indian singer, songwriter and filmmaker – with a dedicated doodle. The doodle, featuring Hazarika playing the harmonium, was illustrated by Mumbai-based artist Rutuja Mali.
Born in 1926 in northeast India, Hazarika developed musical talents. “His home state of Assam is a region that has always been home to different tribes and several indigenous groups. As a child, Hazarika grew up surrounded by songs and folk tales of life along the mighty Brahmaputra River,” Google said in its statement.
Bhupen Hazarika (File photo)
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Attracted by Hazarika’s musical talent, famed Assamese lyricist Jyotiprasad Agarwala and filmmaker Bishnu Prasad Rabha helped him record his first song. “At the age of 12, Hazarika was writing and recording songs for two films: Indramalati: Kaxote Kolosi Loi and Biswo Bijoyi Naujawan,” Google said.
He completed his master’s degree in political science from the Hindu University of Banaras in 1946 and received a doctorate in mass communications from Columbia University in 1952. According to reports, he also served as a member of the Assembly of the Assam in 1967-72.
Hazarika then returns to India and continues to work on songs and films. Over a career spanning six decades, Hazarika has won several prestigious awards, including Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Dadasaheb Phalke, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan Award, for his outstanding contribution to music and culture. “He was posthumously honored with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 2019,” Google added.
Hazarika has served as Chairman and Director of numerous Boards and Associations including the Government of India’s National Film Development Corporation. He died on November 5, 2011.
Published on
September 08, 2022