Bhupen Hazarika centenary: Mumbai hosts grand tribute; top artists honour musical legend

MUMBAI: Presented by the Great Managers Institute and curated by the Suraj Foundation, in association with the Assam Association Mumbai, a grand event was held in Mumbai recently to honour the centenary of the "Bard of the Brahmaputra".The event opened with a video message from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who congratulated the organisers and legendary artists for this initiative celebrating Dr Bhupen Hazarika.Anchored by renowned voice artist Harish Bhimani and co-anchored by Nandini Sharma, the programme featured a magnificent orchestral tribute to Dr Hazarika’s timeless legacy.

Performances by celebrated artists such as Anup Jalota, Suresh Wadkar, Zubin Garg, Kalpana Patowary, Debojit Saha, Zublee Baruah, Mayukh Hazarika and Marathi-Assamese singer Raagini Kavthekar paid homage to the legend. A violin and piano presentation by Sunita Bhuyan and Ronojit Bhuyan on Junaakore Raati sung by Lata Mangeshkar, and the Rudali classic Jhooti Mooti Mitwa, were among the highlights. The opening act, a traditional Gayan Bayan led by Krishna Barbayan of Majuli, also captivated the audience.The musical ensemble, directed by composer Ajay Singha and curated by violinist Sunita Bhuyan, made for a fitting tribute.Maharashtra Minister of Information Technology and Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar attended as chief guest.

Guests of honour included Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla, Assam’s DIPR Secretary Padma Pani Bora, Supreme Court Justice Uzzal Bhuyan, and former Assam DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta. Shelar highlighted Dr Hazarika’s contribution to music, social activism, and his connection with Maharashtra.Usha Mangeshkar, the youngest of the Mangeshkar sisters, who sang some of Dr Hazarika’s iconic songs, was felicitated as guest of honour.

She delivered an emotional speech recalling her induction into Assamese music through Bhupen Hazarika.A paper titled The Bard and the Brahmaputra: A Critical, Historical and Thematic Analysis of Dr Bhupen Hazarika's Life and Legacy was unveiled by SHARE (Society to Harmonise Aspirations for Responsible Engagement).Prag News chairperson Sanjeev Narain presented a coffee table book on Dr Hazarika and announced a biopic on the artist.Great Managers Institute co-founder and CEO Prasenjit Bhattacharya, in his opening address, said: “Dr Bhupen Hazarika was more than a musician; he was a phenomenal people’s leader who used his art to unite millions, inspire social change and champion humanity.”Event curator Sunita Bhuyan stressed the importance of preserving Dr Hazarika’s legacy and outlined future plans to celebrate his centenary. Assam Association President Dipak Das also announced an initiative to translate a few of Hazarika’s iconic songs into Marathi as a step towards cultural exchange. One such song was performed by legendary singer Suresh Wadkar.The evening, titled Ganga Behti Ho Kyun, dedicated to Dr Bhupen Hazarika, was also supported by Deepshika Foundation, a trust working for cancer care.