Assamese singer Samar Hazarika, younger brother of cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika, passed away on January 13, 2026. He was an important yet understated presence in Assam’s music scene, contributing both as an album artist and as a playback singer in Assamese cinema.
His musical journey began with the release of his first album Uttor Konwar Protima Barua Devi in 1968. He is also acknowledged to have introduced the culture and folk music of Assam and Northeast India to Hindi cinema at the national level. Samar Hazarika received the National Film Award for best music director in 1975 . He received Padmashri Award in 1977 , Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987, Padma Bhushan in 2001. He also lent his voice to several Assamese films, including Upopath, Bowari, and Pravati Pokhir Gaan, enriching the state’s film music tradition.
