Bhupen Hazarika, a multifaceted personality born in Assam, made significant contributions to the Indian music industry by bringing the essence of his regional roots to the national stage and became a respected figure for promoting the culture and folk music of Assam and Northeast India on both national and international levels. His impressive career spanned various roles, including playback singer, lyricist, musician, poet, actor, artist, editor, filmmaker, professor and even politician.
In an exclusive interview with Lehren, Bhupen Hazarika passionately discussed the importance of staying connected to one’s roots while embracing modernity in music. He criticized music directors who complain about the younger generation’s preference for pop and English songs over Indian music. Hazarika highlighted that the real issue lies with the music directors themselves, emphasizing, “Instead of criticizing the young generation from 18-22 for forgetting us, we have also forgotten how to make it.” He boldly stated, “Music directors are responsible,” for the decline in interest in Indian cultural and folk music.
The interview also sheds light on Hazarika’s critically acclaimed album for the 1993 Hindi film ‘Rudaali’. Initially, the album was surrounded by controversy, leading to mixed reviews from critics. However, the album defied expectations, achieving monumental success and earning a staggering 6 crores in revenue. Hazarika further shared the challenges he faced during the project, noting that many avoided purchasing the album due to the controversy. Interestingly, it was discovered that young people aged 18-22 were the ones who bought the maximum number of albums, as their parents did not purchase them.
Hazarika reflected on his experiences in the golden days of the Indian music industry, reminiscing about the meticulous process of music creation. He recalled how musicians like Narvekar would spend hours perfecting a single violin piece before legendary singers like Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle recorded their vocals. In contrast, he observed the rapid pace of today’s music production, where electronic musicians, despite their busy schedules, still manage to infuse classical elements into their work.
Bhupen Hazarika’s reflections are not just a testament to his own journey but also a tribute to the evolving landscape of Indian music. His insights into the responsibilities of music directors and the importance of cultural roots in music offer valuable lessons for both the industry and the audience. To uncover the full depth of his insights and experiences, don’t miss the full interview below.
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