Assam Government Explores Preservation of Bhupen Hazarika's Kolkata Residence
Inspection of Bhupen Hazarika's Former Residence
Officials visited the Kolkata residence of the legendary singer in Tollygunge as part of his birth centenary celebrations. (Photo: Media House)
Kolkata, Sept 7: A delegation from the Assam government conducted an inspection on Sunday at a Kolkata building where the iconic singer Bhupen Hazarika resided for many years. The team discussed potential collaborations with the West Bengal administration to preserve part of the property in honor of Hazarika's legacy, according to officials.
B Kalyan Chakravarthy, the Additional Chief Secretary of Assam and part of the visiting team, mentioned that they are contemplating engaging with the West Bengal government and cultural organizations to safeguard a first-floor room linked to Hazarika.
“This site holds significant importance related to Bhupen Hazarika. I am here to assess the location and will advocate for it at the highest levels to explore renovation and preservation options,” he stated.
This visit coincides with the nationwide celebrations marking the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika.
The renowned singer-composer initially rented the first floor of the three-story building located at 77 B Golf Club Road in Tollygunge, South Kolkata, before purchasing it in 1981. He sold the property in the late 1990s and moved to Mumbai, as noted by Tridib Sharma, a member of the Assam Association, which aims to uphold Hazarika’s legacy in Bengal.
“Prominent figures like Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey frequented this place. It was more than just a residence; it represented Hazarika as a unifying figure in music,” Sharma remarked.
“He has composed and performed numerous Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi songs, endearing him to many generations,” he added.
Sharma pointed out that the property is now owned by multiple families, complicating efforts to convert it into a memorial. “The house is currently occupied by various families, none of whom are related to Hazarika,” he explained.
He also mentioned that former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had expressed interest in initiating the memorial process, but the previous TMC government was unable to advance it.
“We are optimistic that the Suvendu Adhikari government in West Bengal will take the necessary actions to facilitate the acquisition of the room and collaborate with Assam to establish a memorial,” Sharma stated.
The senior Assam official, who was unable to access the building's interior due to the presence of multiple owners and tenants, expressed hope that a “joint strategy will be developed to preserve Hazarika’s living room on the first floor” and convert it into a memorial.
“Hazarika’s music transcended linguistic and social barriers. We must honor the music icon whose songs united cultures. He sang in various languages, and his music embodied the essence of transcending caste, creed, and religion,” the official remarked.
He emphasized that Kolkata and Bengal have historically been vital centers of Indian culture. “How can the room where one of the great singers of Bengali music lived remain in disrepair? Hazarika cherished Bengal and its people and culture. He has millions of admirers. The city must show him the respect he deserves,” the Assam government official stated.
In response to a query, he confirmed that the Assam government would address the issue with the Bengal administration.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Hazarika's birth, and authorities are organizing a series of events to celebrate his contributions to Indian music and culture. A special concert was held in Kolkata on September 6 as part of the centenary festivities.