New Delhi: Late Indian playback singer Bhupen Hazarika will be bestowed with India's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, by President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday.
Hailing from Assam, the singer who was also a celebrated poet and filmmaker was born on September 8, 1926. He bid farewell to the world on November 5, 2011.
Hazarika introduced the culture and folk music of Assam and Northeast India to Hindi cinema. He was predominantly known in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
The acclaimed singer was widely known as Sudhakantha, meaning the nightingale. He had received many prestigious honours including the National Film Award, Padmashri, Dada Saheb Phalke Award, Padma Vibhushan, among others.
Hazarika was known for his baritone voice and for creating versatile music including romantic, social and political commentary.
Some of his most popular songs which are still alive with the audience are 'Bistirno Parore,' 'Moi Eti Jajabo,' 'Ganga Mor Maa,' and 'Bimurto Mur Nixati Jen.'
The names of the awardees of Bharat Ratna were announced on January 25 in a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan. It also includes former President Pranab Mukherjee and late social activist Nanaji Deshmukh.
