Introduction
On the occasion of the birth anniversary of legendary singer Jayanta Hazarika, lets learn about the life and musical journey of an iconic Assamese singer and composer from Assam. Explore his early life, music career, achievements, and the lasting legacy he left behind in the world of Assamese music.
Early Life and Family
Jayanta Hazarika’s musical talent as he was born into a renowned musical family in Mangaldai, Assam, on September 20, 1943. Jayanta fondly known as ‘Rana Da’ was the ninth child of Nilakanta Hazarika and Shantipriya Hazarika. Notably, his elder brother Bhupen Hazarika, who preceded him by 17 years, was already a legendary figure in Assamese music.
Musical Upbringing
Jayanta Hazarika’s upbringing was immersed in music, with all his siblings deeply involved in this art form. From a very young age, he was exposed to the enchanting world of melodies, and at the age of nine, he displayed his musical talent by composing a song written by his elder brother, Nripen Hazarika. This early exposure to music laid the foundation for Jayanta’s future in the music industry.
Education and Early Career
Jayanta Hazarika pursued his high school education at Sonaram High School in Guwahati. In 1962, he faced a setback when he failed his matriculation examination. Undeterred, he embarked on a journey to Calcutta, where he recorded two songs with HMV. This marked the beginning of his professional music career and set him on a path to becoming an iconic figure in Assamese music.
Collaboration with Bhupen Hazarika
Upon returning from Calcutta, Jayanta Hazarika began collaborating with his elder brother, Bhupen Hazarika. Together, they worked on various musical projects, with Jayanta often assisting Bhupen as a music director. Their partnership and musical synergy produced timeless melodies that continue to captivate audiences today.
Marriage and Family
In 1969, Jayanta Hazarika married Manisha Hazarika from Calcutta. Their union was blessed with a son, Mayukh Hazarika, born on January 13, 1971. Both Manisha Hazarika and Mayukh Hazarika followed in Jayanta’s footsteps and established themselves as accomplished singers, further contributing to the family’s musical legacy.
Musical Journey and Contributions
Jayanta Hazarika’s musical journey was marked by his versatility and dedication to the art. He lent his musical talent to a wide range of projects, including playback singing, music direction for feature films, and compositions for documentaries and stage plays.
Playback Singing and Early Success
Jayanta Hazarika’s career as a playback singer took off with the songs “Aagoli botahe kopale kolore paat” and “Krishnachura Krishnachura,” recorded with HMV. These songs quickly gained popularity and established him as a promising talent in the Assamese music industry.
Music Direction
In addition to his singing career, Jayanta Hazarika ventured into music direction. He began as an assistant music director for the film ‘Maniram Dewan’ and continued to work on several other films. Notably, he collaborated with Bhupen Hazarika as an assistant music director for ‘Loti-Ghoti’ and ‘Chikmik Bijuli.’ Jayanta also took on small roles in Assamese movies such as ‘Loti-Ghoti’ and ‘Chikmik bijuli.’
Compositions for Films
Jayanta Hazarika’s creative genius extended to composing music for feature films. He composed music for movies like ‘Bonoria Phul,’ ‘Niyoti,’ ‘Brishti,’ ‘Dharmakaai,’ and ‘Natun Asha.’ ‘Natun Asha’ is particularly noteworthy as Manisha Hazarika completed the music for this film following Jayanta’s untimely demise. Additionally, Jayanta worked as a music director for several documentary films, leaving his mark on diverse genres within the music industry.
Music for Stage Plays
Jayanta Hazarika’s talents weren’t limited to the silver screen. He also ventured into composing music for stage plays. His compositions enriched productions like Phani Sarma’s ‘Siraj’ and Prafulla Bora’s ‘Baan.’ He maintained a close association with the ‘Pragoti Shilpi Sangha’ in Guwahati and contributed to various stage productions by the group. Furthermore, he lent his musical expertise to a mobile theatre group named ‘Lakhimi Theatre’ from Goalpara, which was established in memory of Pramathesh Barua.
In 1977, Jayanta Hazarika collaborated with lyricist Nirmalprabha Bordoloi to compose an impressive total of 17 songs for five plays by this theatre group within a span of just three days, between September 13 and 16. In an interview with AIR, Guwahati, he expressed his profound enjoyment in creating music for stage plays, demonstrating his commitment to diverse facets of the music world.
Xur Bahini and Social Activism
In 1977, Jayanta Hazarika founded ‘Xur Bahini,’ an institution that aimed to assist flood victims in Assam. This noble endeavor involved street performances to collect donations for those in need. ‘Xur Bahini’ showcased the power of music in uniting communities and supporting humanitarian causes.
Musical Instruments and Innovation
Jayanta Hazarika’s musical prowess extended to mastering various musical instruments, including the guitar, domra, mandolin, accordion, tabla, and harmonica. He had a penchant for collecting traditional musical instruments from around the world, showcasing his commitment to musical diversity. Remarkably, he could simultaneously play the harmonium in two different octaves, a testament to his exceptional talent.
Musical Style and Influence
Jayanta Hazarika’s music was characterized by a unique fusion of traditional Assamese tunes with Western instruments. His innovative approach introduced a distinct flavor to modern Assamese songs, captivating audiences with unconventional preludes and interludes. Collaborating with lyricist Nirmalprabha Bordoloi, Jayanta created melodies that continue to resonate as everlasting classics in Assam’s musical landscape.
Jayanta Hazarika’s life and musical journey represent a significant chapter in the rich tapestry of Assamese music. His contributions as a singer, composer, and music director have left an indelible mark. Moreover,
his commitment to social causes and his establishment of ‘Xur Bahini’ highlight his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the realm of music. Jayanta Hazarika’s legacy lives on, and his melodies continue to enchant and inspire generations of music enthusiasts.
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