A conversation with the legend: ‘Bhupen Da Uncut’ brings rare Hazarika footage to audiences

A rare archival documentary featuring candid conversations with legendary Assamese singer, composer and Bharat Ratna awardee Dr Bhupen Hazarika is bringing lesser-known aspects of his life, relationships and philosophy to audiences across India and abroad, coinciding with the celebrations marking his birth centenary.

Titled Bhupen Da Uncut, the 61-minute documentary is based on footage recorded during Hazarika's visit to the United Kingdom in 1999. Shot on a High 8 camera, the film captures the legendary musician speaking at length about his childhood, formative influences, personal relationships, academic journey and ideological beliefs.

Unlike conventional biographical documentaries, the film presents Hazarika in an informal and candid setting, allowing him to narrate his life experiences in his own words. His recollections include his interactions with cultural stalwarts such as Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, regarded as a pioneer of Assamese cinema, and his pursuit of higher studies in New York.

The documentary also explores his personal life, including how he met his wife, Priyamvada Patel, and the dynamics of their relationship. Through these conversations, Hazarika reflects on his philosophical outlook, personal convictions, disappointments and experiences that shaped his life and creative journey.

One of the significant aspects of the documentary is the inclusion of poetry recited by Hazarika during the conversations, some of which, according to the filmmakers, may not have been published previously.

The footage also offers glimpses of the musician's more personal side, capturing his sensitivity, simplicity, openness and moments of childlike innocence, alongside his assertions and disillusionments.

The filmmakers consider the documentary an important archival record, as it preserves a first-hand account of Hazarika's life and worldview, narrated by the musician himself. Recorded 26 years ago, the footage provides an opportunity to understand the legendary artist beyond his public persona and musical contributions.

Directed by Bobbeeta Sharma and produced by Sangita Advertising, Bhupen Da Uncut has already travelled to several national and international platforms.

The documentary was screened under special packages at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa in November 2025. It also had international screenings in Warsaw, Poland, on October 14, 2025, organised by the Assamese Association, Poland, and in Luxembourg on October 25, 2025, during Axom Milon, an event organised by Assamese residents settled in Europe.

In London, the film was screened at the Nehru Centre on October 28, 2025, as part of Dr Bhupen Hazarika's birth centenary celebrations. The screening was organised by the High Commission of India in the United Kingdom in association with Luiporia Nasoni.

Several educational institutions and cultural organisations have also hosted screenings of the documentary. These include Gauhati University, India Habitat Centre and Press Club of India in New Delhi, Royal Global University in Guwahati, JB University in Jorhat, the Centre for Policy Research of North East in Shillong, and the Asian Academy of Film and Television under Marwah Studios in Noida.

The documentary was also screened at Assam Bhavan in Mumbai and at an event organised by the Kolkata Assamese Cultural Association in Kolkata.

Taking the archival footage to an international academic and cultural audience, the film was screened at the Oral History Archives Department of Rutgers University in New Jersey on September 25, 2026, followed by a screening at the Indian Embassy in Houston on October 3, 2026, in association with the Assamese Cultural Society of Greater Houston.

More recently, the documentary was screened at the Chalachitram National Film Festival in Guwahati on October 25, 2026. It is scheduled to be screened at the Mumbai-Indie Film Festival on November 13.

The documentary has been directed by Bobbeeta Sharma, with Chinmoy Sharma and Bobbeeta Sharma serving as executive producers. Ravindra Badgaiyan is the editor and creative director, while Ripunjoy Bhuyan has handled sound re-recording.