A book on legendary singer late Bhupen Hazarika titled ‘Bhupen Hazarika: Volume II” was launched at Srimanta Sankaradeva Bhawan in New Delhi yesterday.
The book was launched by sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan,who described him as a genius and a symbol of creativity.
The book was published by Mrinal Sarma of Chitrachal, Guwahati.
The book edited by Utpal Mena and translated by Bhairabanan Borah, has contributions by the likes of A R Rahman, Raveena Tandon among others.
The editors attempted to bring out the greater ramifications of Hazarika’s work in the first volume by analysing, explaining, and outlining his many perspectives.
This volume places a greater emphasis on close textual examination of Hazarika’s works.
According to the editors, the present volume of essays on Hazarika’s music, political and cultural philosophy, while not directed by any critical ideology, contains a diversity of interpretations based on contemporary concepts.
The volume assembles several pieces of writing on Hazarika: stories written by people he met along the way; some analytical writings on his lyrical compositions, research work, and sociopolitical involvements; and a few memoirs on his death or even a literary resurrection from death.
Pieces of writings originally in Assamese, Bengali, Nepali and Marathi have been reproduced in English translation.
At the launch Khan hailed the legendary singer as an extremely learned person.
Hazarika, according to Khan, popularised Assamese folk music through his songs.
Meanwhile, National Award-winning filmmaker and film critic Utpal Borpujari emphasised the importance of translating more Hazarika works.
