Assamese singer Khagen Mahanta, also known as the "King of Bihu" passed away today. He was suffering from heart-related ailments.
His Bihu songs, Borgeet and other folk songs are ever green to the assamese society. Khagen Mahanta was born to Harendra Nath Mahanta and Laxmipriya Devi in Nogaon, Assam. He showed his musical talent from his childhood. At the age of 15, he started performing in the music concerts in Shillong.
Khagen Mahanta was actively involved in the "language movement" in 1960, under the leadership of personalities like Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Hemanga Biswas, Jugal Das. He was member of the group called "Harmony" and popularized human values with his melodious voice and compositions. In 1961, his first gramophone recorded song was broadcast from Guwahati All India Radio Centre. He also participated in the "World Peace" festival in Calcutta. He was recognized as A grade artist in All India Radio and contributed in almost all genres of Assamese music like Lokageet, Okoni Geet, musicals, dramas.
He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi award for folk and traditional music in 1992.
He is survived by his singer wife Archana Mahanta, singer son Angaraag Papon Mahanta and a daughter.
Member of Parliament Gaurav Gogoi said, "Shocked to learn about the death of a close friend's father - noted singer Khagen Mahanta. May your melody stay forever alive in our hearts. We all wish Papon and his family peace and strength during this difficult period."