The Assam government has decided to acquire and restore music maestro Bhupen Hazarika’s three-storey house in Kolkata, where the bard had lived for around four decades and composed many of his masterpieces.
The decision to purchase the house and turn it into a cultural centre was taken at a cabinet meeting here, Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
“The house at Golf Club Road at Tollygunge in Kolkata will be purchased for Rs 1. 7 crore. Additionally, Rs 25 lakh has been earmarked for renovation work.”
According to reports, the singer, poet and filmmaker, who shifted base to Kolkata from Assam in 1952, lived as a tenant at the three-storey house for several years before buying it in 1981.
Assam Cultural Affairs Minister Naba Kumar Doley and Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal’s media adviser Hrishikesh Goswami had last year visited Kolkata to complete formalities for obtaining the ownership of the house.
The present owner, Sushil Dangi, who acquired the house 10 years ago, has agreed to the Assam government’s proposal, official sources said.
The property, once renovated, will house a memorial of Hazarika, they said.
