Bhupen Uzir’s legacy celebrated with music, awards, and tributes at Kalakshetra

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 16, 2025

The 72nd birth anniversary of legendary Assamese music director and sound recordist Bhupen Uzir was marked with a vibrant cultural celebration at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra. Organized by the Bhupen Uzir Smriti Raksha Samiti in collaboration with the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Assam, the event brought together musicians, artistes, and admirers for an evening that honoured Uzir’s enduring impact on Assamese music.

Titled “Hiya Bhora Xubhokamonare,” the musical evening was steeped in nostalgia and artistic reverence. From soul-stirring performances to heartfelt tributes, the event showcased Uzir’s timeless compositions performed by a wide array of vocalists and instrumentalists. Attendees included noted cultural figures, musicians, actors, and friends of the late maestro—many of whom shared personal memories and celebrated his legacy.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Bhupen Uzir Suwaroni Shilpo Sadhana Award to four stalwarts in the field of instrumental music and sound recording: guitarist Sourabh Kumar Das, violinist and guitarist Dilip Rasaily, saxophonist Pitambar Tamuly, and recordist Satish Chauhan.

As part of the celebrations, winners of an online music competition were also announced. The contest featured renditions of Bhupen Uzir’s classics and was divided into two age categories. In the under-14 (‘A’ category), Jigyasa Kashyap won first prize, followed by Pragya Konwar and Shruti Madhujya. In the above-14 (‘B’ category), top honours went to Taneesha Saikia, Ratan Konwar, and Junak Nibir Kashyap. All winners received cash prizes, certificates, and trophies.

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The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Noni Devi, Ramen Choudhury, Samar Hazarika, Anupam Choudhury, and Manisha Hazarika. A large gathering of artists and music lovers—including Uzir’s childhood friends Bijoy Bordoloi, Bijoy Das, Prakash Baruah, and Pratap Goswami—paid tribute to his life and work.

Performances by acclaimed singers such as Shashwati Phukan, Queen Hazarika, Mausumi Saharia, and others brought the audience to their feet. The emotional peak of the evening came with the unveiling of a new tribute song, “Smritir Avesh,” rendered by Shanta Uzir with lyrics by Manjula Hazarika and music arranged by Sourav Mahanta.

The evening concluded with a powerful instrumental ensemble led by prominent musicians including Jayanta Gogoi, Dr. Mrinal Das, Tapan Das, and Deep Rajbangshi, delivering a fitting finale to a night dedicated to one of Assam’s most cherished musical talents.