Veteran Assamese singer Samar Hazarika, the younger brother of cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika, passed away at his residence in Guwahati on Tuesday, January 13. He had been unwell for some time and was undergoing treatment at a city hospital prior to his death.
His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Assam’s musical heritage, particularly for Guwahati, which remained central to his life and career.
Veteran Assamese singer Samar Hazarika, younger brother of Dr Bhupen Hazarika, passed away at his Guwahati residence on January 13. Active since the 1960s, he contributed extensively to Assamese music through albums, films, and performances on All India Radio.
A Musical Journey Rooted in Assam
Samar Hazarika began his musical career in the 1960s, a period that shaped modern Assamese music. He gained early recognition with his album Uttar Konwar Pratima Barua Devi, which established his identity as a serious and committed artist in the state’s music circles.
Over the years, he lent his voice to several Assamese films, contributing playback songs that resonated with audiences across generations.
Contributions Beyond Recordings
Apart from commercial albums and film music, Hazarika was a regular performer on All India Radio, a platform that played a crucial role in disseminating Assamese music across the region during the pre-digital era.
Through radio broadcasts and live performances, he helped keep classical and contemporary Assamese musical traditions accessible to wider audiences.
A Guwahati-Centred Life and Legacy
Guwahati remained at the heart of Samar Hazarika’s personal and professional life. As Assam’s cultural hub, the city provided the space where his music evolved and reached listeners statewide.
Musicians and cultural observers in Guwahati noted that while he lived in the shadow of a towering legacy, Samar Hazarika carved out a distinct identity rooted in sincerity and artistic discipline.
Reactions from the Music Community
His death has drawn condolences from fellow musicians, cultural organisations, and admirers across Assam. Many remembered him as a quiet but influential figure who carried forward the Hazarika family’s deep connection to Assamese music and culture.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
Guwahati has long been the centre of Assam’s cultural and musical movements. The passing of Samar Hazarika represents not just a personal loss, but the fading of a generation that shaped the city’s artistic identity in the decades following Independence.
What Happens Next
Family members are expected to perform the last rites in Guwahati. Cultural organisations may hold remembrance programmes to honour his contribution to Assamese music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who was Samar Hazarika?
Samar Hazarika was a veteran Assamese singer and the younger brother of Dr Bhupen Hazarika, active in music since the 1960s.
Q2. Where did Samar Hazarika pass away?
He passed away at his residence in Guwahati after a period of illness.
