Losing someone who is very famous, well known and you love, can feel overwhelmingly and extremely painful. It is a well known fact that everyone copes with grief differently and I am completely at a loss to express myself the way I feel. We the Assamese people as well as the whole nation have lost a great legend, maestro and highly talented person - Bhupen Da. Julie and I had the privilege of meeting Bhupen Da on few occasions. Our first encounter was in 1999, when he came to UK to entertain the Assamese Community during our Medical Colleges reunion. He was deeply in love with and had great respect towards our mighty Brahmaputra River and had written and sang quite a few beautiful songs. But it was quite astonishing that he also composed a song for us while he was in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, expressing similar feelings about the Tyne River, comparing it with the mighty Brahmaputra. He was a remarkable person with all his charms, sense of humour and intellect. He always tried to spread Assamese culture to the rest of the world through his music. Bhupen Da was not only highly talented musician; he was an actor, singer, politician, journalist, lyricist and film maker. He is no longer with us but his music will remain in the hearts and minds of millions of us for years to come May his soul rest in peace.
Dr. Ashraf Bora, Whitburn, Tyne & Wear