Kavita Baruah: Difference between revisions

 

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{{Short description|Indian singer, dancer, actress (born 1940)}}

{{Short description|Indian singer, dancer, actress (born 1940)}}

{{Use Indian English|date=April 2025}}

{{Use Indian English|date=April 2025}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}

{{Use dmy dates|date= 2025}}

{{Infobox musical artist

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Kavita Baruah

| name = Kavita Baruah

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| caption = Kavita Baruah at a cultural event, 2025

| caption = Kavita Baruah at a cultural event, 2025

| birth_name = Rose Hazarika

| birth_name = Rose Hazarika

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1940|1|19}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1940|1|19}}

| birth_place = [[Guwahati]], [[Assam]], [[India]]

| birth_place = [[Guwahati]], [[Assam]], [[India]]

| origin = [[Assam]], [[India]]

| origin = [[Assam]], [[India]]

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=== Music career ===

=== Music career ===

Baruah began performing at a young age through [[All India Radio]] programs such as ”Akonir Mel” and ”Aidew Buloni”. She was among the first Assamese women to record with [[His Master’s Voice]] (HMV) in 1968, releasing several notable songs including “”Godhuli Ahil Tora Jilikil”” and “” Radha Sura Phool Guji””.<ref>{{Cite news |title=I was in awe of Hazarika |url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2017/11/11/i-was-in-awe-of-hazarika/ |work=The Shillong Times |date=11 November 2017 |access-date=2025-10-05}}</ref> Her popular duets include “‘ Lora Burha Kak Koi, Dalimi Nubuje Tak]”” with Bhupen Hazarika, and “” Prathamo Prohore Ratri, Phuli Asil Champa”” (1961) with Ila Bose for the Assamese film ”Sakuntala” directed by Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

Baruah began performing at a young age through [[All India Radio]] programs such as ”Akonir Mel” and ”Aidew Buloni”. She was among the first Assamese women to record with [[His Master’s Voice]] (HMV) in 1968, releasing several notable songs including “”Godhuli Ahil Tora Jilikil”” and “” Radha Sura Phool Guji””.<ref>{{Cite news |title=I was in awe of Hazarika |url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2017/11/11/i-was-in-awe-of-hazarika/ |work=The Shillong Times |date=11 November 2017 |access-date=2025}}</ref> Her popular duets include “‘ Lora Burha Kak Koi, Dalimi Nubuje Tak]”” with Bhupen Hazarika, and “” Prathamo Prohore Ratri, Phuli Asil Champa”” (1961) with Ila Bose for the Assamese film ”Sakuntala” directed by Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

=== Dance and theatre ===

=== Dance and theatre ===

[[File:Chikmikbijuli-KB(Rose),BhupenHazarika.jpg|alt=Kavita Baruah acting in Assamese movie Chik Mik Bijuli|thumb|Kavita Baruah, along with Bhupen Hazarika and Vijay Shankar acting in Assamese movie ””’Chik Mik Bijuli”’ (1968)”]] Baruah’s early performances included participation in ”Xorore Deulore”, a dance drama directed by [[Bishnu Prasad Rabha]] in 1948. She represented Assam in the first Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, performing to Bhupen Hazarika’s composition “Eti Koli Duti Pat” alongside dancers Jugal Das and Ishwarprasad Chaudhury.

[[File:Chikmikbijuli-KB(Rose),BhupenHazarika.jpg|alt=Kavita Baruah acting in Assamese movie Chik Mik Bijuli|thumb|Kavita Baruah, along with Bhupen Hazarika and Vijay Shankar acting in Assamese movie ””’Chik Mik Bijuli”’ (1968)”]] Baruah’s early performances included participation in ”Xorore Deulore”, a dance drama directed by [[Bishnu Prasad Rabha]] in 1948. She represented Assam in the first Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, performing to Bhupen Hazarika’s composition “Eti Koli Duti Pat” alongside dancers Jugal Das and Ishwarprasad Chaudhury.

She also performed a ”Bihu” dance with [[Moghai Ojah]] for the film ”Pratidhyoni” directed by Bhupen Hazarika, and appeared in ”Veda Vedyani” (folk dances of Kachar) for ”[[Era Bator Sur]]” (1956). During her association with the [[Indian People’s Theatre Association]] (IPTA) from the 1950s to 1960s, Baruah collaborated with cultural figures including Hemanga Biswas, Shombhu Bhattacharjee, Mukunda Bhattacharjee, [[Bishnu Prasad Rabha]], and singers such as Hemanta Mukherjee, Salil Chowdhury, Debabrata Biswas, and [[Suchitra Mitra]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bhupenda was an Inspiration |url=https://medium.com/@joorbaruah/bhupenda-was-an-inspiration-ac544070a56a |work=The Shillong Times |access-date=2025-10-05}}</ref>

She also performed a ”Bihu” dance with [[Moghai Ojah]] for the film ”Pratidhyoni” directed by Bhupen Hazarika, and appeared in ”Veda Vedyani” (folk dances of Kachar) for ”[[Era Bator Sur]]” (1956). During her association with the [[Indian People’s Theatre Association]] (IPTA) from the 1950s to 1960s, Baruah collaborated with cultural figures including Hemanga Biswas, Shombhu Bhattacharjee, Mukunda Bhattacharjee, [[Bishnu Prasad Rabha]], and singers such as Hemanta Mukherjee, Salil Chowdhury, Debabrata Biswas, and [[Suchitra Mitra]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bhupenda was an Inspiration |url=https://medium.com/@joorbaruah/bhupenda-was-an-inspiration-ac544070a56a |work=The Shillong Times |access-date=2025}}</ref>

=== Film contributions ===

=== Film contributions ===

Baruah contributed as a playback singer and actor in different Assamese films, like ”Sakuntala”, ”Pratidhyoni”, ”Chik Mik Bijuli”, ”Era Bator Sur”, ”Loti Ghoti”, and ”Mon Praja Poti”. Her performances combined elements of music, dance, and theatrical expression, often under the direction of Bhupen Hazarika.<ref>{{Cite news |title=A tribute to memories – Siblings relive fond times |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/a-tribute-to-memories-siblings-relive-fond-times/cid/328804 |work=The Telegraph |access-date=2025-10-05}}</ref>

Baruah contributed as a playback singer and actor in different Assamese films, like ”Sakuntala”, ”Pratidhyoni”, ”Chik Mik Bijuli”, ”Era Bator Sur”, ”Loti Ghoti”, and ”Mon Praja Poti”. Her performances combined elements of music, dance, and theatrical expression, often under the direction of Bhupen Hazarika.<ref>{{Cite news |title=A tribute to memories – Siblings relive fond times |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/a-tribute-to-memories-siblings-relive-fond-times/cid/328804 |work=The Telegraph |access-date=2025}}</ref>

== Recent events and recognitions ==

== Recent events and recognitions ==

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[[File:KB DA.png|thumb|Interview with Kavita Baruah, published in the Assamese newspaper ”Dainik Agradoot”]]

[[File:KB DA.png|thumb|Interview with Kavita Baruah, published in the Assamese newspaper ”Dainik Agradoot”]]

In 2025, Kavita Baruah attended the ”Bhupen Hazarika Centenary Celebration” held in [[Guwahati]], Assam, where the Prime Minister of India unveiled a commemorative coin in honour of her brother, [[Bhupen Hazarika]]. The event was organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PM unveils Bhupen Hazarika commemorative coin at centenary event in Guwahati |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1972634 |website=Press Information Bureau |publisher=Ministry of Information and Broadcasting |access-date=2025-10-06}}</ref> In 2025, Baruah presented the ”Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Award” to Assamese musician [[Zubeen Garg]] during the Beltola Bohagi Utsav in [[Guwahati]]. The award recognised Garg’s contribution to Assamese music and culture. Baruah conferred the honour in her capacity as Bhupen Hazarika’s sister and as a long-standing figure in Assam’s cultural community.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=Sentinel Digital |date=16 February 2025 |title=Guwahati: Zubeen Garg to Receive Bhupen Hazarika Award 2025 at Beltola Bohagi Utsav |url=https://www.sentinelassam.com/cities/guwahati-city/guwahati-zubeen-garg-to-receive-bhupen-hazarika-award-2025-at-beltola-bohagi-utsav |access-date=2025-10-02 |website=The Sentinel – of this Land, for its People |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Zubeen Garg conferred the Bhupen Hazarika Award 2025 |url=https://dainikjanambhumi.com/news/dr-bhupen-hazarika-award-has-been-presented-to-zubeen-garg |work=Janambhumi |access-date=2025-10-02}}</ref>

In 2025, Kavita Baruah attended the ”Bhupen Hazarika Centenary Celebration” held in [[Guwahati]], Assam, where the Prime Minister of India unveiled a commemorative coin in honour of her brother, [[Bhupen Hazarika]]. The event was organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PM unveils Bhupen Hazarika commemorative coin at centenary event in Guwahati |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1972634 |website=Press Information Bureau |publisher=Ministry of Information and Broadcasting |access-date=2025}}</ref> In 2025, Baruah presented the ”Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Award” to Assamese musician [[Zubeen Garg]] during the Beltola Bohagi Utsav in [[Guwahati]]. The award recognised Garg’s contribution to Assamese music and culture. Baruah conferred the honour in her capacity as Bhupen Hazarika’s sister and as a long-standing figure in Assam’s cultural community.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=Sentinel Digital |date=16 February 2025 |title=Guwahati: Zubeen Garg to Receive Bhupen Hazarika Award 2025 at Beltola Bohagi Utsav |url=https://www.sentinelassam.com/cities/guwahati-city/guwahati-zubeen-garg-to-receive-bhupen-hazarika-award-2025-at-beltola-bohagi-utsav |access-date=2025 |website=The Sentinel – of this Land, for its People |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Zubeen Garg conferred the Bhupen Hazarika Award 2025 |url=https://dainikjanambhumi.com/news/dr-bhupen-hazarika-award-has-been-presented-to-zubeen-garg |work=Janambhumi |access-date=2025}}</ref>

== Personal Life ==

== Personal Life ==

Indian singer, dancer, actress (born 1940)

Musical artist

Kavita Baruah (born 19 January 1940), formerly Rose Hazarika, is an Indian singer, dancer, actress, and cultural activist from Assam. She is among the earliest Assamese women to record for His Master’s Voice (HMV), which contributed to the popularity of Assamese folk and playback music.

Kavita Baruah was born on 19 January 1940 in Guwahati, Assam, into the Hazarika family. She was the seventh of ten children of Nilakanta Hazarika and Shantipriya Hazarika. Her eldest brother, Bhupen Hazarika, became one of India’s most celebrated musicians and composers. Baruah completed her early school at Panbazar Girls’ High School in Guwahati in 1955. She later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree at Handique College, under Gauhati University, where she graduated in 1962. After her undergraduate studies, she moved to Kolkata to live with her brother Bhupen Hazarika and continued her education in Library science, further obtaining a diploma from the University of Calcutta in 1967. Baruah was exposed to performing arts from a young age through her family’s association with music, theatre, and film.

Baruah began performing at a young age through All India Radio programs such as Akonir Mel and Aidew Buloni. She was among the first Assamese women to record with His Master’s Voice (HMV) in 1968, releasing several notable songs including “Godhuli Ahil Tora Jilikil” and “ Radha Sura Phool Guji“.^[1] Her popular duets include “‘ Lora Burha Kak Koi, Dalimi Nubuje Tak]” with Bhupen Hazarika, and “ Prathamo Prohore Ratri, Phuli Asil Champa” (1961) with Ila Bose for the Assamese film Sakuntala directed by Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

Baruah’s early performances included participation in Xorore Deulore, a dance drama directed by Bishnu Prasad Rabha in 1948. She represented Assam in the first Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, performing to Bhupen Hazarika’s composition “Eti Koli Duti Pat” alongside dancers Jugal Das and Ishwarprasad Chaudhury.

She also performed a Bihu dance with Moghai Ojah for the film Pratidhyoni directed by Bhupen Hazarika, and appeared in Veda Vedyani (folk dances of Kachar) for Era Bator Sur (1956). During her association with the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA) from the 1950s to 1960s, Baruah collaborated with cultural figures including Hemanga Biswas, Shombhu Bhattacharjee, Mukunda Bhattacharjee, Bishnu Prasad Rabha, and singers such as Hemanta Mukherjee, Salil Chowdhury, Debabrata Biswas, and Suchitra Mitra.^[2]

Baruah contributed as a playback singer and actor in different Assamese films, like Sakuntala, Pratidhyoni, Chik Mik Bijuli, Era Bator Sur, Loti Ghoti, and Mon Praja Poti. Her performances combined elements of music, dance, and theatrical expression, often under the direction of Bhupen Hazarika.^[3]

In 2025, Kavita Baruah attended the Bhupen Hazarika Centenary Celebration held in Guwahati, Assam, where the Prime Minister of India unveiled a commemorative coin in honour of her brother, Bhupen Hazarika. The event was organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.^[4] In 2025, Baruah presented the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Award to Assamese musician Zubeen Garg during the Beltola Bohagi Utsav in Guwahati. The award recognised Garg’s contribution to Assamese music and culture. Baruah conferred the honour in her capacity as Bhupen Hazarika’s sister and as a long-standing figure in Assam’s cultural community.^[5][6]

Baruah was married to Upendra Kumar Baruah. Her husband was a part of the Civil Rights Movement in America, working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago.

Year	Title
1961	Prathama Prahore Ratri
1962	Godhuli Ahil Tora Jilikil
1962	Radhasura Phool Guji
1989	Baijansen Dheret Dheret
1995	Dhouli Mure Mai
2010	Birinda Bonere

Title
Lora Burha Kak Koi
Dalimi Nubuje Tak
Kokaidew Bhonti
Jodi Jinone Kande Nai Nai Buli
Mur Morome Morom Bisari Jai
Puju Aha Ai Matri Sorono Komol
Xokhi He Ki Kome Dukhore Kotha
Nisola Ai Re Ami Khati Axomiya