Bhupen Hazarika: Assamese-Hindi Music Maestro’s Life, Broken Marriage, Lata, Kalpana Links

A Maestro Who Wrote His Own Story

Bhupen Hazarika was a man of many gifts. He often wrote his own lyrics, composed his own music, and sang the songs himself. In an interview, he explained his process. He said he couldn’t judge his own style. He crafted many songs specifically for characters in films or plays.

A Life of Music and Love

Hazarika’s personal life had its own share of drama. He married Priyamvada Patel in the 1950s. She was studying at Columbia University at the time. They had a son named Tej. As Hazarika worked hard to build his career, his wife chose a different path. She left him during his early struggles and moved back to America. Hazarika, however, remained focused on his music, pushing forward with his passion.

Romantic Rumors Swirled

Hazarika worked with the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. She sang his Bengali song ‘Rongila Banshite’, which became a big hit in 1956. Later, Hazarika asked Lata to sing for one of his films. She turned him down, saying she felt uncomfortable. In a 2012 interview with DY365, Hazarika’s wife claimed he had an affair with Lata Mangeshkar. She alleged that Lata would stay at their home when visiting Kolkata.

Kalpana Lajmi’s Deep Devotion

Actress Kalpana Lajmi’s name was also closely linked to Bhupen Hazarika. She was just 17 when they first met, while he was 45. In her autobiography, ‘Bhupen Hazarika: As I Knew Him’, Lajmi wrote about their powerful connection. She described it as love at first sight, a feeling that stayed with him until his very last days.

His Final Curtain Call

On June 30, 2011, Hazarika was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai. He fought bravely, but on November 5, 2011, several of his organs stopped working. The world lost a true legend that day. His funeral took place on land donated by Guwahati University, a final honor for a beloved son of Assam.

Hazarika’s Most Loved Songs

Here are some of the famous songs that keep Bhupen Hazarika’s memory alive:

• Dil Hoom Hoom Kare (Hindi film Rudaali)
• Samay O Dheere Chalo (Hindi film Rudaali)
• Gajgamini (Title song)
• Autoriksha Chalao
• Bishtirna Paadre
• Aami Ek Yayabar
• Aaj Jibon Khunje Pabi
• O Videshi Bandhu Durabhagiya
• Manush Manusher Jonye
• Sagar Sangame