Remembering Bhupen Hazarika: The Melody Man Who Captured India’s Heart

On this day, we honor the legendary Bhupen Hazarika, whose voice transcended borders, language, and time. Known as the “Melody Man of India,” Hazarika’s songs continue to echo in the hearts of millions, from Assam to Alaska. His music is more than melody; it’s a conversation that connects listeners to the beauty, struggle, and resilience of life.

The Power of Song and Social Connection

Hazarika’s songs carried the warmth of human connection, even across continents. One of the most telling stories of his reach is that of an Assamese engineer working in Alaska, who found solace in Hazarika’s song “Moi eti jajabor” ("I am a wanderer") while isolated and miles from home. Hazarika’s music bridged distances, creating a comforting presence for those far from their roots.

A Voice for Social Change and Humanity

In the Northeast, Hazarika became a symbol of the region’s rich culture and complex challenges. From the Assamese movement in the 1980s to his deeply resonant social and political songs, Hazarika’s music became the voice of a people yearning for peace and justice. His humanist ballad "Manush Manusher Jonno" (Humans Are for Humanity) reached far and wide—even adapted by Japanese musicians, who felt its universal message of compassion and solidarity.

Through his music, Hazarika inspired generations to dream of a brighter future, often uplifting his audience with themes of social unity and transformation. He wasn’t just an artist; he was an advocate for change.

From Assam to Bollywood

Hazarika’s journey began in Tezpur, Assam, and took him across the world, even to the hallowed music halls of New York’s Greenwich Village. While studying Mass Communication at Columbia University, he encountered American folk music and civil rights movements, experiences that would shape his own compositions back in India. A friend of American singer Paul Robeson, Hazarika’s voice joined the struggles for equality, even facing brief jail time for participating in civil rights rallies.

Though he never strayed from his Assamese roots, Hazarika ventured into Bollywood, bringing his unique sound to Indian cinema. His hauntingly beautiful composition "Dil Hum Hum Kare" from the film Rudaali captured audiences across India and showcased his versatility as a musician. His Bollywood success did not detract from his folk legacy, as he continued to compose, sing, and represent his beloved Northeast.

A Legacy of Love and Leadership

Bhupen Hazarika’s influence extended beyond music. In 1967, he won a seat in the Assam Legislative Assembly, highlighting his deep-rooted connection to the people. Over the years, he acted as a cultural ambassador, bridging gaps between the Northeast and the rest of India, and even offering to mediate between the government and insurgent groups in Assam.

The depth of his connection to his homeland was evident in his reluctance to support secession, believing in the unity of India even while advocating for Assam’s rights and identity. "I am too Indian to discuss the secession of my own state," he once said, standing firm on his vision of a united and prosperous nation.

Honoring a Timeless Icon

From his early days as a child actor in Indramalati, one of India’s earliest talkie films, to receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Hazarika’s life was marked by artistic achievement and dedication to his craft. As he journeyed through the "Misty Lands of Seven Sisters" for Doordarshan, he showcased the beauty and resilience of Northeast India to the rest of the country. His legacy lives on in the notes of his music and in the spirit of every person he inspired.

Today, as we remember Bhupen Hazarika on his death anniversary, we celebrate his timeless contributions to music, culture, and humanity. His songs will continue to comfort, inspire, and unite, standing as a testament to his legacy as a true melody man of India.

Reference from : -https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/from-the-india-today-archives-1998-bhupen-hazarika-the-melody-man-2627870-2024-11-04