Guwahati: Renowned Assamese singer and composer Samar Hazarika passed away at his residence in Guwahati on Tuesday morning. He was 75.
The youngest brother of music icon Sudhakantha Dr Bhupen Hazarika, Samar Hazarika breathed his last around 8.45 am at his home in Nizarapar after a brief illness. He had been unwell for some time and was discharged from hospital about a fortnight ago following treatment.
He is survived by his wife Sobha Hazarika and son Dawor Hazarika, daughter Namrata Hazarika and a host of relatives and well-wishers.
A revered figure in Assam’s cultural landscape, Samar Hazarika carved out a distinct identity of his own—quiet, deeply rooted, and profoundly Assamese. The youngest of ten siblings, he remained closely associated with music for decades, contributing as a singer and composer across radio, albums, and Assamese cinema. His works reflected a deep commitment to themes of humanity, patriotism, and universal brotherhood—values that defined the artistic ethos of the Hazarika family.
Samar Hazarika began his musical journey in 1960. His first album, “Uttar Konwar Pratima Barua Devi,” was released in 1968. Over the years, he created several timeless songs, earning widespread popularity with numbers such as “Prothom Morome Jodi Sohari Napai.” He also lent his voice to numerous Assamese films.
He made his playback singing debut in December 1977 with the film Upapath, directed by Hemanta Dutta. Thereafter, he went on to sing for more than twenty Assamese films, including Bijuli, Bowari, Ghar Sansar, Sonmoina, Bohagor Duporiya, Chiraj, Ranganadi, Ashanta Prahar, and Protishodh, among others.
Apart from films, more than 70 solo and duet audio cassettes featuring his voice were released over the years, most of which gained wide popularity among music lovers.
Though he largely shunned the limelight, Samar Hazarika played a vital role in carrying forward the musical and cultural legacy of his eldest brother, Dr Bhupen Hazarika. He was closely associated with initiatives commemorating the life and work of the legendary artiste, including programmes linked to Bhupen Hazarika’s birth centenary celebrations.
Recalling him as gentle and unassuming, his sister-in-law Monisha Hazarika said the family was unprepared for the loss. She noted that Samar Hazarika had received an award just a day earlier and had responded with his characteristic simplicity, offering only a soft “thank you.”
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep anguish over the passing of the artiste. “His soulful voice lit up every occasion, and he made indelible contributions to Assam’s cultural landscape. He carried forward the rich legacy of Sudhakantha Dr Bhupen Hazarika,” the Chief Minister said, adding that Assam had lost “another golden voice.”
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also condoled the death, calling it particularly painful that the artiste passed away on Uruka. “He captured the heart and soul of the people with his mellifluous voice. His contribution to Assamese music will be eternal,” Sonowal said.
With his passing, Assam loses not just a singer and composer, but a custodian of melody, memory, and meaning—a voice that chose depth over display and legacy over limelight.
Samar Hazarika was cremated with full state honours at the Navagraha Crematorium in Guwahati.