Bhupen Hazarika (Assamese: ভূেপন হাজৰিকা Bhupen Hazôrika) (8 September 1926) is a multi-faceted artist from Assam, a state in the north-eastern part of India.

Personal life and education

Hazarika was born in Sadiya, Assam. A child prodigy, he wrote and sang his first song at the age of 10 and worked for the second Assamese talkie, Indramalati, in 1939, when he was 12 years old.

He completed his Intermediate Arts from Cotton College in 1942, and went on to Banaras Hindu University to complete his B.A. in 1944 and his M.A. in Political Science in 1946. He earned a Ph.D. from Columbia University, New York, USA in 1954, submitting a dissertation titled "Proposals for Preparing India's Basic Education to Use Audio-Visual Techniques in Adult Education".
[edit] Career

As a singer, he is known for his crisp baritone voice and flawless diction; as a lyricist, he is known for poetic compositions and parables that touch on a wide range of themes---ranging from the erotic to social and political commentary; and as a composer for his use of folk music with a touch of the contemporary. He also participated, first as a child artist, and later as a director, in the nascent Assamese film industry. When studying at Columbia University, he became acquainted with American performer Paul Robeson, from whom he also learned songs which he later adapted in his music career. He is immensely popular, touching on reverence, in the states of Assam, West Bengal as well as in neighbouring Bangladesh. In addition to his native Assamese, Hazarika has sung in many other Indic languages, including Bengali and Hindi.
[edit] Some songs

    * Aami Axomiya Noho Dukhia
    * Asom amar rupahi
    * Akaxi Ganga
    * Autorikshaw chalao
    * Bistirna parare
    * Dil Hoom Hoom Kare (from Rudaali)
    * Foot Godhulite
    * Gajagamini (title song)
    * Ganga mor maa
    * Manuhe manuhar babe jodihe okono nabhabe
    * Moi eti jajabar
    * O bidesi bandhu durbhagia
    * Parashi Puwate
    * Sagar sangamat
    * Saisabate Dhemalite
    * Samay O Dhire Chalo (from Rudaali)
    * Samoyar agragoti
    * Sharodi Raani Tomar Heno Naam
    * Shitore Semeka Raati
    * Sira jugamiya dhou tuli
    * Mahabahu Brhamaputra
    * Moi Ei Matire Lora
    * Moi Aru Mor Cha
    * Natun Nagini
    * Natun Purish
    * Pratiddhani Suno Moi
    * Prachanda Dhumuhai Proshno Korile
    * Tomar Dekho Naam Potra Lekha
    * Kohua Bon Mor
    * Kajiranga Kajiranga
    * Gouripuria Gabhoro Dekhilo
    * Kolir Krishna Buli
    * Atukura Alasua Megh Bhahi Jai
    * Koto Jowanor Mritu Hol
    * Megher Gir Gir Kore

There are many immortal songs - most of his songs are there in Dr. Dilip Kumar Dutta's book " Dr.Bhupen Hazarikar Geet aru Jibon Rothor Chaneki ".
[edit] Awards

In 1992, he was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for lifetime achievements in cinema. He has been conferred with "Sangeet-Natak Academy Ratna" award. For his contribution of building bridges of unity and culture not only in north eastern region, but also over greater India, he has been conferred with "Assam Ratna" award.

He also won the National Award as best music composer in India in 1977 in recognition for his work in the Assamese film, Chameli Memsaab.

Apart from these, he has received innumerable awards and accolades in the field of music, art, and other media.