GUWAHATI: Assam government has initiated a process to buy back the erstwhile Kolkata residence of Late (Dr) Bhupen Hazarika, the musical giant from the region, from its present owner so that a cultural center could be set up in that house in the memory of the colossal singer.
Assam’s cultural affairs minister Naba Kumar Doley and the media adviser to the chief minister, Hrishikesh Goswami met the present owner of 77 Golf Course residence at Tollygunge, Sushil Kumar Dangi on Tuesday and made an offer on behalf of Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal to procure the house in the greater interest of the people of Assam.
Dr Hazarika created a large number of his timeless composition and tunes while staying in that Tollygunge residence in 1950s and 1960s. He also carved a niche for himself in the cultural arena of West Bengal especially Kolkata during that period as he was equally prolific in creating compositions and tunes in Bengali besides singing those to win hearts of people.
Assam government while requesting Sushil Kumar Dangi to hand over the erstwhile residence of the musician, promised to pay him adequate compensation for his gesture. An official in the chief minister’s office here informed that Dangi had promised to consider the offer from Assam government and would take a decision after discussing with his family members.
Dr Hazarika had to sell off his Kolkata House while shifting his base to Mumbai as well as to bear part of the cost of his treatment.
The representatives of Assam government on Tuesday made an inspection of the house to take stock of its present condition.