Smt. Manisha Hazarika is more than a singer — she is a living thread that connects Assam’s musical past to its present. Known for a voice at once tender and resonant, she has spent decades interpreting modern Assamese songs, preserving the legacy of the region’s classics and introducing new generations to their beauty. Recognised as Guest of Honour and recipient of the Atal Bharat Gaurav Sammaan 2025, Smt. Manisha’s career is an emblem of cultural stewardship and artistic resilience.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Born into a culturally rich family in Kolkata, Smt. Manisha moved into Assam’s musical world early on and quickly became a prominent voice in modern Assamese music. As a teenager, she had the rare opportunity to sing with and learn from the greats — notably Dr. Bhupen Hazarika — and she later married the celebrated composer Jayanta Hazarika. Through personal loss and public life, Manisha remained steadfast in her mission: to keep the songs that shaped the region alive and accessible.
The Voice That Defined an Era
Manisha’s discography reads like a map of Assamese sentiment — romantic ballads, river songs, and evocative film numbers that have stayed with listeners for decades. Albums and singles such as Balukate Sharalire Chhan, Boi Ja Boi Ja, and Brahmaputrer Duti Par reflect her mastery of emotion and melody.
Her voice carries an authenticity that resonates deeply with audiences — rich yet delicate, grounded yet soaring. Whether it’s a love song or a melancholic ballad, Manisha’s interpretation brings every word alive with meaning. Her songs continue to be played across Assam, finding new listeners even in the age of digital streaming.
Assam’s First Female Music Director
Beyond her vocal artistry, Manisha Hazarika holds a historic place in Assamese cinema as one of the first female music directors. Following the untimely death of her husband Jayanta Hazarika in 1977, she took on the challenge of completing the musical direction for the film Upapath.
This act was not only a personal tribute to her husband but also a pioneering move for women in the Assamese music industry. It showcased her creative leadership, resilience, and technical skill — qualities that continue to inspire young musicians, especially women, across the state.
Preserving Assam’s Musical Heritage
Manisha’s contribution to Assamese culture goes far beyond her recordings. She has spent decades acting as a custodian of her husband Jayanta Hazarika’s legacy, organizing concerts, curating archives, and ensuring that his compositions — many of which were ahead of their time — remain part of the state’s cultural consciousness.
Her concerts and public performances are not just musical events but cultural celebrations. She brings together different generations through songs that carry both nostalgia and new meaning. Her efforts have ensured that the music of a golden era continues to thrive in contemporary times.
Smt. Mamta Hazarika Honoured with Atal Bharat Gaurav Sammaan 2025
The Atal Bharat Gaurav Sammaan 2025, conferred by the Awards Trust of India, acknowledges Manisha Hazarika’s lifelong contribution to music and cultural preservation. The honour celebrates her decades of dedication to Assamese art, her pioneering achievements as a female composer, and her commitment to enriching India’s cultural identity.
Through her voice and leadership, she has bridged tradition with innovation — keeping Assamese music relevant, respected, and resonant across generations.
Smt. Manisha Hazarika, An Enduring Legacy
Listeners return to Manisha’s music because of its emotional honesty. Her voice carries the kind of lived experience that transforms lyrics into stories. For many Assamese families, her songs are a part of life’s emotional landscape — from festive gatherings to quiet evenings by the Brahmaputra.
Even today, she continues to perform and promote Assamese music on digital platforms, bringing her art to global audiences while staying rooted in the ethos of her homeland.
The Timeless Voice of Assam
As the world of music evolves, Smt. Manisha Hazarika’s journey stands as a reminder that some voices are timeless. Her music is not only entertainment but also a form of heritage — a reflection of Assam’s spirit, its rivers, and its people.
By honouring her with the Atal Bharat Gaurav Sammaan 2025, India celebrates not just an artist but a cultural guardian who has dedicated her life to ensuring that Assam’s musical heart never stops beating.
