In a proud moment for Assam and admirers of India’s musical icon, the documentary Bhupen da Uncut, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Bobbeeta Sharma, has been officially invited to be screened at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The film will be showcased under the Special Packages section of the Indian Panorama on November 23 at 6 pm at Samrat Cinema, Panjim, celebrating the legacy of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika. The documentary offers rare and intimate glimpses of Dr Hazarika, featuring vintage footage from his 1999 visit to the United Kingdom. Viewers are treated to candid conversations where the legendary singer-composer reflects on his childhood, creative inspirations—including interactions with iconic Assamese poet and filmmaker Jyoti Prasad Agarwala—his academic journey in New York, and personal life, including his bond with his wife, Priyamvada Patel.
Adding a deeply personal touch, the film showcases recitations of several unpublished poems by Dr Hazarika, revealing the philosophy and inner thoughts of one of India’s most beloved cultural figures. These rare insights into his creative process and worldview provide audiences with a fuller appreciation of his contributions to music and society. Produced by Chinmoy Sharma and Bobbeeta Sharma under the banner of Sangita Advertising, with Ravindra Badgaiyan serving as Editor and Creative Director, the documentary is being presented as a tribute to Dr Hazarika in his centenary year. The filmmakers expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and IFFI for this recognition.
Bhupen da Uncut premiered in Guwahati on September 7, with Dr Hazarika’s son, Tej Hazarika, and family members in attendance. The film has since traveled internationally, receiving acclaim in Warsaw (October 14), Luxembourg (October 25), and London (October 28), in screenings organized by the Assamese diaspora and the High Commission of India in the UK as part of the centenary celebrations.