Down Memory Lane with Bhupen Da - By: Rashmi Bora Das, Atlanta, GA
Some moments in life are God sent. The winds of time do not sweep them away, rather they are etched forever in the paradise of our memories. Over a decade later, I go back to that sultry, summer day of June 2000 when I was fortunate to meet Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. An ardent fan of Bhupen Da, Ankur Bora (now residing in Texas) conveyed to us that the Bangladeshi Association of Atlanta had invited the legendary artist for the Baishaki Mela. My husband Anjan and I like all Assamese folks grew up listening to Bhupen Da's soulful melodies, but never had the chance to meet him at close quarters. So we did not want to miss the opportunity.
It was also a matter of pride for us that an association from another country was conferring respect on our dear Bhupen Da! So Anjan, my son Ayan, and I, along with Ankur and his wife Momi, set off looking forward to an evening of melody. Bhupen Da's flight to Atlanta was delayed and it was past 9 p.m when he arrived at the venue. Before his arrival, we contacted one of the organizers and expressed our deep desire to meet Bhupen Da. He was cordial and understood our sentiments, promising that he will convey the message to Bhupen Da once he arrives. Finally Bhupen da made his appearance on the stage. The audience was drowned in the magic of his melodious numbers. As much as we enjoyed the show, we were also restless to meet him. After an hour of performance, intermission was announced. We decided to go to the green room to meet Bhupen Da. The moment we said we were from Assam, the organizers led us in.
It was a dream come true to meet Bhupen Da face to face. Our joys knew no bounds, and instantly we could feel the warmth and affection that always flowed from him when he met anyone from Assam. He was overwhelmed when he learned I was from Nizarapar, Guwahati. He said he would call us to the stage and sing a Bihu to which Momi and I would have to dance. Bhupen Da resumed his performance and after one song announced that he would like to meet the two families from Assam. Momi & I walked up to the stage. With great pride he introduced us to the audience as being from Assam, referring to me as “aamar parar maye” (girl from my street). We felicitated him with a gamosa. Bhupen Da first translated the lyrics into Bangla and then struck the keys of the harmonium with his magical fingers to rent the air with the Bihu number “Bihurenu birina o Aaita, kerumoni thuria.....” I had never danced in a public platform and was extremely nervous. But with Momi accompanying me, we managed a few steps. He ended the song saying “Function-r pisot akou log pam” It was past midnight when the function ended. Bhupen Da was exhausted after a long, tiring day, yet was so willing to spend some time in our company. We clicked a few photographs together and spent almost an hour engrossed in a lively conversation. He showered his blessings on Ayan, who was a three and a half year old. We left him, our hearts swelling with pride and happiness after meeting such a gifted genius. I had always nourished the hope that perhaps I would meet Bhupen Da again. But it never happened. Yet I am rich with the memories of an evening that I'll treasure for a lifetime. A hero never dies. Bhupen Da will always live in our hearts through his soulful melodies. He will be the balmy breeze, the fragrance of which will linger in the hills and valleys of Assam among generations down the ages.
