Dr. Bhupen Hazarika: The Global Assamese
Sanchayita Sharma Goswami
I was hesitant. Scared, nervous and a bit reluctant to write this piece when approached. Where does one start and end. My fingers automatically dialled Probinda’s number (Bhupenda’s brother) who lives here in England. A man who keeps to himself and is not often seen in our Kharkhuwa social circle here. I met him once at a local Durga Puja in Leicester and was amazed to see the striking resemblance he bears with his famous brother. We spoke at length today and he shared some beautiful memories taking a few brief moments to compose himself back. Dada always encouraged me to write, he said.He also spoke about his Nobou (Tej’s mum) who is equally shattered for not being able to attend the funeral. She takes my mother’s place and loves me dearly till date. She screams at me in Assamese if I don’t take care of my health. I am also missing my parents dearly at this hour. Had it not been for them and their culture, today we would have been thugs looting around, he said.
As a child, my connection with the “brand Bhupen Da” was through my uncles, Linu Mama & Stelu Mama (shorter version of Lenin and Stalin given by my daring grandfather). The later is a close friend of Samar Hazarika whom we often meet when we visit mama’s house. Nripen or Linumama, a doctor here in England is a diehard fan and doesn’t shy away to say that he places Dr. Hazarika above our saints which surely ignites debates in the house. Saying this now and saying this when he was alive are two different things all together.
Devastated Linumama said: News of Bhupenda's demise struck me like a thunder and I miss a bit of my heart. Even though I knew that he was seriously ill, it took some time for me to accept. It took me back to August 1999 when Bhupenda spent a week in our house. It is still fresh in my memory what we discussed and talked. He wrote a song for us, tuned and sang that evening in a show. He cooked for us, walked with us on the seaside and showered us with love and affection which we will never forget. We are so fortunate to have him on our own for a week. Bhupenda will be always in my memory. I do not think I will ever meet such a remarkable person in my life. Dr. Nripen Barkataki, Seaham, UK.
Bhupenda has left some lovely memories for us in London during his visits. Sharing some of the emails that reached me.
“Bhupenda was a multifaceted genius and a source of inspiration and delight to us all. He was the greatest cultural communicator of our time who had been a poet, journalist, singer, lyricist, musician, film maker, and writer simultaneously. His music touched the hearts of many people not only in the SE Asia, but also the world over. Although he has gone he will live on the hearts of billions. His songs stand out as a distinct class because they recorded the upheavals and struggles of the society in the world rapidly changing. We were fortunate enough to entertain him at our home in London in October 1978 and met few time in Assam and particularly in London. Puspa and I and in particular our son Raj will treasure this fond memory forever. Gagon & Puspa Hazarika, Social Activists, London.”
From my early childhood to my adulthood no one has inspired me more than Bhupen Hazarika to enjoy and often try to sing his wonderful creative lyrics and magical melody Bhupen Hazarika, the giant among the stars. No one in living memory has contributed so much in realm of creative music, literature ,the film industry and as a greatest among the great as an entertainer particularly in Assam and Eastern India. He will remain immortal in the heart and minds of music lovers of the world. He now deserves a rest and peace among the lap of God. Nilmoni Sikdar, Kent. UK
'' There will not be another genius in the music world like Bhupenda who inspired million hearts with everlasting songs and ballad. May his soul rest in peace '' Ilu (Shamim) and Altaf Ahmed, London.. I last met him by chance at Bombay airport about 10 yrs back and we spoke for some time. Before that I remember him coming to our house when I was a little boy, around 1978, when I helped my father to put together a radio narrative of his life. I remember him listening intently and being moved to tears. I did not know he was ill and when I heard I felt as though I had lost one of my own family. Then I thought to myself "Today Assam has lost her voice."- Nabarun Hazarika ( 2nd generation Assamese). London.
The Guardian wrote: Instead of capitalising on his newfound fame, Hazarika was drawn towards India's struggle for independence. He surrounded himself with intellectuals and soon found the connection between education and freedom. He said. "Somewhere down the line, the revolutionary in me was born. My music and, later, my film scripts portrayed that ethnic anger I suffered from."
Bhupen da stayed with us in a few times in the US and I recall a few things but I was quite young.Yes- very fond of his music. When we took family vacations whilst I was growing up, we used to listen to his cassette tapes (at that time!) the entire way. I remember him cooking fish for us and remember sitting on his lap watching American cartoons. These are a few of the things I remember during my time with him. - Priyam Sharma (2nd generation Assamese)
Abu Rajeeb from Bahrain: 104.2 radio fm of Bahrain played two songs of Dr. Bhupen Hazrika (Bistirnor Parore & Dil Hom Hom Kare) back to back as a tribute to him. Tears flew down my eyes. We'll miss you forever, Bhupen da....
Rajlaxmi Borah: I too live in Bahrain, I also cried hearing the songs.
I can empathise with it. When I hear his interviews on BBC Radio, my heart beats faster and a smile refuses to leave my lips while I stare at the radio. It’s uplifting to know that not just his music but he, as an individual too is globally recognised. Social activist and journalist Sanjoy Hazarika told me that it’s a collective failure that we didn’t make a good documentary on him while he was alive. I couldn’t agree more. As a race, we are either too emotional or we take up guns. Need to balance that out and be pragmatic at times.
I am awestruck to see things since his demise and so privileged to witness history. The respect paid in Mumbai and then his journey into the streets of Guwahati. The prodigal son returns....yet still a dutiful son, nevertheless. A sense of class, taste and sensitivity is surely visible.
The endless crowd in judge’s field pouring in while ULFA openly saluting with guns shots in the remote corners. We can put everyone to shame by seamlessly conducting the largest funeral recorded in history in a place which otherwise is tagged as a “distressed state”. I am touched by the humanness of the people of Assam and proud of be a fellow Assamese. This goes to say that we as a race are capable of bigger things in life if we put our minds to it. I hope we don’t need another person to die for us to prove it time and again for that will be difficult to find another Bhupen da. We certainly have respect, dignity and integrity. All we need is a bit more self confidence. It sure is time to stop thinking that we are anything less than the rest of India. As a matter of fact we are a superior lot I would say.
Lastly my heart goes out for Kalpana Lajmi. Yes, Assam has had a love/hate relationship with her. Bhupenda was a creative man and they surely are not the easiest breed to live with. We shall all go back home to someone except for Lajmi. We can carry on about how much we love Bhupenda or the times with him, spend money on status of him but Lajmi......she stayed and looked after him till his last breath. She didn’t have to but she wanted to. That sure is love and dedication and is priceless. Had it not been for her disciple on him, we would have lost him years ago. I am sure she will have a lot of film footage on him. One request to Kalpana Di. We badly need to make a documentary/film on him to keep him immortal on cellulite too.
Sanchayita Sharma Goswami (Bublee Goswami) is born and bought up in Guwahati and trades the world currency market for a living in London. Apart from advising & encouraging budding entrepreneurs from Assam she is a Social Entrepreneur who promotes handlooms from North East India via her ecommerce website www.kuhee.com and is the founder member of a UK based charity called Just for Assam ( www.justforassam.org). Filmmaking is her passion. Her short film “The Passage” based on Mamoni Roisom Goswami’s story “Jatra” was screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2005.
I was hesitant. Scared, nervous and a bit reluctant to write this piece when approached. Where does one start and end. My fingers automatically dialled Probinda’s number (Bhupenda’s brother) who lives here in England. A man who keeps to himself and is not often seen in our Kharkhuwa social circle here. I met him once at a local Durga Puja in Leicester and was amazed to see the striking resemblance he bears with his famous brother. We spoke at length today and he shared some beautiful memories taking a few brief moments to compose himself back. Dada always encouraged me to write, he said.He also spoke about his Nobou (Tej’s mum) who is equally shattered for not being able to attend the funeral. She takes my mother’s place and loves me dearly till date. She screams at me in Assamese if I don’t take care of my health. I am also missing my parents dearly at this hour. Had it not been for them and their culture, today we would have been thugs looting around, he said.
As a child, my connection with the “brand Bhupen Da” was through my uncles, Linu Mama & Stelu Mama (shorter version of Lenin and Stalin given by my daring grandfather). The later is a close friend of Samar Hazarika whom we often meet when we visit mama’s house. Nripen or Linumama, a doctor here in England is a diehard fan and doesn’t shy away to say that he places Dr. Hazarika above our saints which surely ignites debates in the house. Saying this now and saying this when he was alive are two different things all together.
Devastated Linumama said: News of Bhupenda's demise struck me like a thunder and I miss a bit of my heart. Even though I knew that he was seriously ill, it took some time for me to accept. It took me back to August 1999 when Bhupenda spent a week in our house. It is still fresh in my memory what we discussed and talked. He wrote a song for us, tuned and sang that evening in a show. He cooked for us, walked with us on the seaside and showered us with love and affection which we will never forget. We are so fortunate to have him on our own for a week. Bhupenda will be always in my memory. I do not think I will ever meet such a remarkable person in my life. Dr. Nripen Barkataki, Seaham, UK.
Bhupenda has left some lovely memories for us in London during his visits. Sharing some of the emails that reached me.
“Bhupenda was a multifaceted genius and a source of inspiration and delight to us all. He was the greatest cultural communicator of our time who had been a poet, journalist, singer, lyricist, musician, film maker, and writer simultaneously. His music touched the hearts of many people not only in the SE Asia, but also the world over. Although he has gone he will live on the hearts of billions. His songs stand out as a distinct class because they recorded the upheavals and struggles of the society in the world rapidly changing. We were fortunate enough to entertain him at our home in London in October 1978 and met few time in Assam and particularly in London. Puspa and I and in particular our son Raj will treasure this fond memory forever. Gagon & Puspa Hazarika, Social Activists, London.”
From my early childhood to my adulthood no one has inspired me more than Bhupen Hazarika to enjoy and often try to sing his wonderful creative lyrics and magical melody Bhupen Hazarika, the giant among the stars. No one in living memory has contributed so much in realm of creative music, literature ,the film industry and as a greatest among the great as an entertainer particularly in Assam and Eastern India. He will remain immortal in the heart and minds of music lovers of the world. He now deserves a rest and peace among the lap of God. Nilmoni Sikdar, Kent. UK
'' There will not be another genius in the music world like Bhupenda who inspired million hearts with everlasting songs and ballad. May his soul rest in peace '' Ilu (Shamim) and Altaf Ahmed, London.. I last met him by chance at Bombay airport about 10 yrs back and we spoke for some time. Before that I remember him coming to our house when I was a little boy, around 1978, when I helped my father to put together a radio narrative of his life. I remember him listening intently and being moved to tears. I did not know he was ill and when I heard I felt as though I had lost one of my own family. Then I thought to myself "Today Assam has lost her voice."- Nabarun Hazarika ( 2nd generation Assamese). London.
The Guardian wrote: Instead of capitalising on his newfound fame, Hazarika was drawn towards India's struggle for independence. He surrounded himself with intellectuals and soon found the connection between education and freedom. He said. "Somewhere down the line, the revolutionary in me was born. My music and, later, my film scripts portrayed that ethnic anger I suffered from."
Bhupen da stayed with us in a few times in the US and I recall a few things but I was quite young.Yes- very fond of his music. When we took family vacations whilst I was growing up, we used to listen to his cassette tapes (at that time!) the entire way. I remember him cooking fish for us and remember sitting on his lap watching American cartoons. These are a few of the things I remember during my time with him. - Priyam Sharma (2nd generation Assamese)
Abu Rajeeb from Bahrain: 104.2 radio fm of Bahrain played two songs of Dr. Bhupen Hazrika (Bistirnor Parore & Dil Hom Hom Kare) back to back as a tribute to him. Tears flew down my eyes. We'll miss you forever, Bhupen da....
Rajlaxmi Borah: I too live in Bahrain, I also cried hearing the songs.
I can empathise with it. When I hear his interviews on BBC Radio, my heart beats faster and a smile refuses to leave my lips while I stare at the radio. It’s uplifting to know that not just his music but he, as an individual too is globally recognised. Social activist and journalist Sanjoy Hazarika told me that it’s a collective failure that we didn’t make a good documentary on him while he was alive. I couldn’t agree more. As a race, we are either too emotional or we take up guns. Need to balance that out and be pragmatic at times.
I am awestruck to see things since his demise and so privileged to witness history. The respect paid in Mumbai and then his journey into the streets of Guwahati. The prodigal son returns....yet still a dutiful son, nevertheless. A sense of class, taste and sensitivity is surely visible.
The endless crowd in judge’s field pouring in while ULFA openly saluting with guns shots in the remote corners. We can put everyone to shame by seamlessly conducting the largest funeral recorded in history in a place which otherwise is tagged as a “distressed state”. I am touched by the humanness of the people of Assam and proud of be a fellow Assamese. This goes to say that we as a race are capable of bigger things in life if we put our minds to it. I hope we don’t need another person to die for us to prove it time and again for that will be difficult to find another Bhupen da. We certainly have respect, dignity and integrity. All we need is a bit more self confidence. It sure is time to stop thinking that we are anything less than the rest of India. As a matter of fact we are a superior lot I would say.
Lastly my heart goes out for Kalpana Lajmi. Yes, Assam has had a love/hate relationship with her. Bhupenda was a creative man and they surely are not the easiest breed to live with. We shall all go back home to someone except for Lajmi. We can carry on about how much we love Bhupenda or the times with him, spend money on status of him but Lajmi......she stayed and looked after him till his last breath. She didn’t have to but she wanted to. That sure is love and dedication and is priceless. Had it not been for her disciple on him, we would have lost him years ago. I am sure she will have a lot of film footage on him. One request to Kalpana Di. We badly need to make a documentary/film on him to keep him immortal on cellulite too.
Sanchayita Sharma Goswami (Bublee Goswami) is born and bought up in Guwahati and trades the world currency market for a living in London. Apart from advising & encouraging budding entrepreneurs from Assam she is a Social Entrepreneur who promotes handlooms from North East India via her ecommerce website www.kuhee.com and is the founder member of a UK based charity called Just for Assam ( www.justforassam.org). Filmmaking is her passion. Her short film “The Passage” based on Mamoni Roisom Goswami’s story “Jatra” was screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2005.
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