Bhupen Hazarika: Life & Legacy
1926 – Birth
Born on September 8 in Sadiya, Assam, to Nilakanta and Shantipriya Hazarika.
1936 – First Song Recording
At age 10, recorded his first song at Aurora Studio, Kolkata.
1939 – Film Debut
Sang in Jyotiprasad Agarwala’s film Indramalati at age 12.
1946 – M.A. from BHU
Completed Master’s in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University.
1952 – Ph.D. from Columbia University
Earned Ph.D. in Mass Communication; thesis titled “Proposal for Preparing India’s Basic Educators to use Audio-Visual Techniques in Adult Education”.
1955 – IPTA Involvement
Became Secretary of the Reception Committee of the Third All Assam Conference of IPTA, held in Guwahati.
1961 – Directed Shakuntala
Directed the Assamese film Shakuntala, showcasing his multifaceted talent in cinema.
1967 – Political Career
Elected as MLA from Naoboicha constituency in the Assam Legislative Assembly.
1975 – National Film Award
Received the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for the film Chameli Memsaab.
1977 – Padma Shri
Honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his contributions to the arts.
1986 – Hindi Film Ek Pal
Composed music for Kalpana Lajmi’s film Ek Pal, marking his significant entry into Hindi cinema.
1992 – Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Received India’s highest award in cinema for lifetime contribution.
1993 – National Film Award for Rudaali
Won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for the film Rudaali.
2001 – Padma Bhushan
Awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India for his exceptional service in the field of arts.
2001 – Music for Daman
Composed music for the critically acclaimed film Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence.
2003 – Music for Gaja Gamini
Composed music for M.F. Husain’s film Gaja Gamini, blending classical and contemporary styles.
2011 – Demise
Passed away on November 5 in Mumbai. Cremated near the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati.
2019 – Bharat Ratna
Posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna.