Assamese singer Gayatri Hazarika, known for Xora Pate Pate Phagun Naame, dies at 44 after battling cancer
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Social media mourned her loss
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Assam's entertainment, especially the music industry is grieving the passing of one of its most beloved voices, Gayatri Hazarika . Her timeless melodies were a part of the emotional fabric of countless Assamese households. The singer breathed her last on May 16 at a private hospital in Guwahati. She was 44 and was battling cancer.Known for her soulful voice, Gayatri Hazarika left an indelible mark on Assamese music. Her most iconic song, Xora Pate Pate Phagun Naame , remains a classic. According to The Assam Tribune, the singer had been under medical treatment for an extended period and was recently admitted to the hospital as her condition deteriorated.Her artistic repertoire extended far beyond just one song. From the lilting Rati Rati Mor Xoon to the evocative Ohar Dore Ubhoti Aatori Gola, Gayatri's ability to infuse depth and emotion into every note earned her a devoted following. Beyond the recording studio, she lit up live performances with her passionate renditions and magnetic stage presence.Dr. Hitesh Baruah, Managing Director of Nemcare Hospitals, confirmed the passing of Gayatri Hazarika to News Live, calling it a deeply saddening loss. He stated that she died at 2:15 pm on May 16 at their hospital. Hazarika had been battling cancer and was under treatment at Nemcare. She was admitted three days ago as her condition worsened and was moved to the ICU the day before her death.Minister of Agriculture, Horticulture, Excise, Implementation of Assam Accord, Border Protection & Development, Atul Bora tweeted, 'Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Gayatri Hazarika. Her soulful voice enriched Assamese music and touched countless hearts. A great loss. Heartfelt condolences to her family and fans. Om Shanti!'Filmmaker Aimee Baruah wrote, 'Gayatri Hazarika's lilting voice and effortless grace had long captivated Assam — myself included. 'Sorapate Paate Phagun Name'_ has echoed through many of my springs. Her passing leaves a silence deeply felt."The tweet further read, "Though she may no longer be with us in the physical realm, I know her voice will continue to grace our lives. I offer prayers at the Lord's feet for her soul's eternal peace, and extend heartfelt condolences to her bereaved family and admirers.Om Shanti!'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
As powerful catalists, awards can spur creativity; legendry assamese poet
The1961-born Nilim Kumar is one of the most celebrated contemporary Assamese poets. Known for his lyrical, introspective, and often surreal poetry, he has published over 20 poetry collections and several novels. His work explores themes such as love, silence, dreams, existential angst, and the rhythms of everyday life. A former government doctor, Kumar left his profession to pursue poetry full-time. His poetic style is marked by subtle imagery, emotional depth, and an evocative, minimalistic tone. His collection 'I'm Your Poet' is widely praised and has been translated into several Indian and international languages. He has received numerous honours, including the Kusumagraj National Award (2025) — becoming the first Assamese poet to win this recognition. In his latest honour, Nilim Kumar has been selected for the prestigious Dr. C. Narayana Reddy Viswambhara Award (2025) for his contribution to Indian literature. The award ceremony is scheduled to be held in Hyderabad on 29 July, commemorating the birth anniversary of Cinare. On this occasion, Nilim Kumar spoke at length to Varala Anand, a Karimnagar-based award-winning poet, translator, and film critic. Q: What does an award mean to you, especially as you have received several coveted honours for your poetry? For me, an award means recognition of my efforts and support for my literary work. But I don't see awards as tools to measure or judge literature. I believe they are tributes to a writer's commitment to their craft. They provide validation and encouragement, helping writers push boundaries. Awards can serve as a powerful catalyst, fuelling creativity and inspiring even more remarkable work. They are acknowledgments of dedication and contributions to literature, motivating writers to continue with passion and enthusiasm. Q: What is the place of literature—particularly poetry—in the Northeastern states? The Northeast region of India is a treasure trove of diversity. Each state has its own distinct identity—from varied languages and dialects to vibrant attire and festivals. Every aspect of life here reflects a rich cultural heritage. The traditions shaped by our diverse tribes and communities create a fascinating cultural fusion. The geographical distance from mainland India has also contributed to our unique literary voice. The poetry of the region is infused with the scent of its soil. The subject matter often revolves around themes that are unique to us—our people's struggles and triumphs, the beauty of our landscapes, and the richnessof our traditions. This distinctive voice sets Northeastern poetry apart from the mainstream, offering readers a world both familiar and uniquely different. Our poetry captures our hopes, aspirations, and lived experiences, making it an integral part of India's literary tapestry. Q: How do you compare Assamese poetry with poetry from other Indian languages? Assamese poetry reflects the region's cultural identity—its traditions, lifestyle, and everyday life. Our food, attire, and customs flow into our verses, giving them a distinct essence. That said, I believe every region and language in India possesses its own flavour of regionalism, which shines through its poetry. What makes Assamese poetry unique is its vivid portrayal of our lush landscapes, mighty rivers, and the resilient spirit of our people in the face of adversity. Q: What inspires your wonderful poems? I've read and even translated some into Telugu, which were later published. Life itself is my biggest inspiration. Encounters with people, traveling to new places, and the emotional landscape of love and loneliness—all of these fuel my writing. I am especially drawn to the Assamese language. Its rhythm, cadence, and lyrical quality inspire me to express my inner world through poetry. Q: There's a concern that reading habits are declining among the younger generation, who are now more drawn to visuals and Instagram Reels. How do you see this shift? The younger generation has largely drifted away from art and literature, driven by the rise of social media and globalization. Platforms like Instagram Reels offer quick fame and dopamine hits, creating a culture of instant gratification. In the name of freedom and progress, young minds are becoming increasingly caught up in superficial trends. This detachment has diverted them from deep, meaningful engagement with literature, art, and thoughtful dialogue. Q: Do you think the government is doing enough to support art and literature? The government does allocate specific budgets to support art, culture, and literature, which plays a vital role in their promotion. Such financial support enables artists, writers, and institutions to preserve and showcase our rich heritage. By investing in the arts, the government fosters creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity—elements that are essential to the growth of our literary and artistic traditions. Q: What is the role of translation in literature, especially in an age where AI is becoming dominant? I firmly believe that AI can only translate literary works mechanically. It lacks the warmth, emotion, and human touch that real language carries. AI cannot convey the language of the heart. It misses the nuance, tone, and cultural context essential to good translation. Only human translators can truly breathe life into a literary work. Q: What is the role of literature in shaping the character of Generation X? Literary aspirants have a profound responsibility to preserve and enrich our society's literary heritage. This demands study, integrity, and fearless expression. As the nation's future, the youth must engage actively—not just in literature, but in every domain—driving progress and positive change. Today, spirituality and religion have moved beyond traditional spaces. They now reside in art, literature, and culture. The true divine resides in the power of words, poetry, and creative expression. Literary youth must embrace this truth and take on the task of nurturing and safeguarding our cultural and literary legacy. Q: Any advice for young people aspiring to build a career in literature? Literature opens doors to vast new worlds. It liberates us from narrow thinking, helps us transcend divisions, and teaches us empathy and tolerance. Through literature, one can challenge rigid mindsets, rise above communalism and conflict, and embrace a broader, more humane perspective. To those aspiring to make a mark in literature: read deeply, write honestly, and stay rooted in truth. Literature is not just about stories—it is a journey toward a more compassionate and expansive understanding of life.
India.com
4 days ago
- India.com
This popular actress to feature in Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana; The role is..., her name is,...
In the grand tapestry of Indian cinema, a new chapter is all set to unfold, weaving together tales of valor, devotion, and destiny. A monumental project based on our historical epic is set to bring to life an epic saga, enlisting talents from diverse backgrounds to portray characters etched in Bharat's rich history. Who is this actress? Here we are talking about the Assamese actress Surabhi Das, who is poised to make her Bollywood debut in Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious adaptation of Ramayana. Surabhi will portray the character of Nirmala, sister of Mata Sita and wife of Lord Lakshmana, which means that she'll be sharing screen space with Ravie Dubey. Expressing her excitement, she shared her admiration for co-stars Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi, highlighting their professionalism and warmth on set. In a recent conversation with Tellychakkar, Surabhi Das said that she is happy to work with Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi in the film 'Ramayana'. She said, 'Ranbir Kapoor is a very hardworking actor, a lot can be learned by watching his acting, I feel lucky to be a part of this grand project.' She further said, 'I talked to Ranbir Kapoor on the set. He respects everyone. We had a normal conversation even on the last day of shooting. However, compared to Ranbir, I got a chance to work with Sai Pallavi, she is very sweet and now I am just waiting for the film to release.' What other works have been done by Surabhi Das? Surabhi is an Assamese actress, who has also appeared in a Hindi TV serial 'Nima Denjongpa'. Apart from this, she has also done a Bengali film named 'Dada Tumi Dusto Bor' and also known for her social media presence on Instagram. To mark this grand achievement, Surabhi took to her Instagram account and shared the pictures from the sets of Ramayana along with Ranbir Kapoor. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Surabhi Das (@surabhi_das22) More about Ramayana Namit Malhotra's 'Ramayana' boasts a stellar cast, including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Mohit Raina as almighty Lord Shiva. The film is envisioned as a two-part series, with the first installment slated for release in Diwali 2026. With a staggering budget of Rs 4,000 crore, the project aims to deliver a cinematic spectacle, blending traditional storytelling with cutting-edge visual effects.
Scroll.in
4 days ago
- Scroll.in
Assamese poet Nilim Kumar chosen for 2025 Viswambhara Dr C Narayana Reddy National Literary Award
Assamese poet Nilim Kumar was been chosen for the 2025 Viswambhara Dr C Narayana Reddy National Literary Award, instituted in memory of Reddy, a poet and Jnanpith laureate, in recognition of his contributions to Indian literature. The award ceremony will take place on Reddy's 94th birth anniversary on July 29. Kumar will receive a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a commemorative memento, and a citation. With a literary career spanning several decades, Kumar has published 24 volumes of poetry and is celebrated as one of the leading voices in modern Assamese literature. He has previously received the Kusumagraj National Award, Udayabharati National Award, among others. His poetry has been translated into numerous Indian and international languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi, Bengali, Telugu, English, Spanish, German, and French. Dr Cingireddy Narayana Reddy, fondly known as Ci Na Re, to honour whom the award is given, is a towering figure in Telugu literature. He was given the Jnanpith Award in 1988 for his literary epic Viswambhara. The previous recipients of the award are:
