Bhupen Hazarika’s younger brother and noted Assamese vocalist passes away on Uruka in Guwahati
January 13, 2026: Assam was plunged into grief on the day of Uruka following the death of veteran Assamese singer Samar Hazarika, younger brother of cultural icon and Bharat Ratna awardee Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. Unwell for some time, Samar Hazarika passed away on January 13 at his residence in Nijorapara, Guwahati, shortly after being treated at a private hospital. His demise on a day traditionally associated with celebration and community bonding has cast a pall of sorrow across the state.
Born into the legendary Hazarika family, Samar Hazarika began his musical journey in 1960 and went on to make a lasting contribution to Assamese music. He lent his voice to several Assamese films and released numerous albums, earning recognition for preserving and enriching the state’s musical heritage. While his elder brother Bhupen Hazarika achieved global acclaim, Samar remained deeply rooted in Assam, becoming a beloved voice of its cultural landscape.
Tributes poured in from political leaders and cultural figures across Assam. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed anguish over the loss, remembering Samar Hazarika’s soulful voice and his role in carrying forward the rich legacy of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. State minister and government spokesperson Pijush Hazarika also paid tribute, describing him as a revered artist whose songs touched generations and became an inseparable part of Assam’s collective memory.