Bhupen-da turns 83, Assam celebrates

Guwahati, Sep 8 (UNI) Assam's greatest living icon Dr Bhupen Hazarika turned 83 today and numerous programmes were organised in the state to celebrate his birthday as the singer was resting in his Mumbai home.

There has been not less than 10 functions here to celebrate the natal day of the ageless artiste, who was seen performing on the stages till the previous year despite his old age.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today conferred Asom Ratna to Mr Hazarika, which would be later handed over to the latter in presence of the President, according to official sources.

The octogenarian celebrated his birthday at his Mumbai residence with his close peer-circle including Kalpana Azmi.

Mr Hazarika is a poet, music composer, singer, actor, journalist, author as well as film-maker of high repute.

He is the only living pioneer of Assam's film industry in the northeastern region, and has been hailed as the uncrowned king of the cultural sphere in North East.

His popularity brought him to the Legislative Assembly as an Independent member between 1967 and 1972. During the period, he took the initiatives for installing the first state-owned film studio in Guwahati.

Bhupen Hazarika began his career in films as a child actor in 'Indramalati' (1939). He wrote the lyric of his first song at the age of 10. He has produced and directed, composed music and sang for the Assamese language films 'Era Batar Sur'(1956), 'Shakuntala'(1960), 'Pratidhwani'(1964),'Lotighoti'(1967), 'Chick Mick Bijuli' (1971), 'Mon Projapati'(1978), 'Swikarokti'(1986), 'Siraj'(1988).

He has also won the President's National Award thrice for his performance as the best filmmaker in 'Shakuntala', 'Pratidhwani', and 'Loti Ghoti' in 1960, 1964 and 1967, respectively.

UNI MT SB KLC1733