Singer and composer Amol Mahanta performs at the function. Picture by Eastern Projectionsusic

His tunes had the stamp of immortality and his lyrics never failed to touch the soul. Mukul Barua’s genius was nowhere more evident than in the evocative Aai Tok Kihere Pujime, Aaai Tor Chorone Dukhaani, sung by Bhupen Hazarika. It went on to become the signature tune of the momentous six-year Assam Movement.

On Saturday, some of the state’s best artistes paid tribute to this outstanding composer-lyricist through a programme, Mok Eti Sur Kori Tolaa, at Rabindra Bhawan in Guwahati.

The function began with Barua’s wife placing flowers before his portrait and Bhupen Hazarika being felicitated.

This was followed by a musical tribute by more than 20 singers, beginning with Asomaa Shushamaa Nirupamaa, sung in chorus.

The first solo item Aai Tok Kihere Pujime was presented by Dwijen Konwar.

Then Beauty Sarma Barua and Jyotirmoy Kakati brilliantly rendered Jontaraa Raati and Aakaashot Sou Jonaak.

Among the other singers, mention must be made of Ipshita Duwara (Niyorare Phul Epaah Phulil), Kula Barua (Ji Jaak Choray Uri Uri), Dimbeswar Das (Moi Ei Maatirei Loraa), Atul Medhi (Eke Thaarite Duti Phul), Shanta Uzir (Moi Roi Thaako), Monisha Hazarika (Aailoi Jetiyaa Monot Pore) and Dilip Das (Mok Eti Sur Kori Tolaa).

Perfect selection of numbers and their beautiful rendition by the singers induced a sense of nostalgia in the audience.

Besides Mukul Barua’s songs, the singers also sang numbers penned by some other leading lyricists like Navakanta Barua, Puroshottam Das, Tafazzul Ali, Lakhyahira Das, Nirmal Prabha Bordoloi, Dwijendra Mohan Sarma and Prashanta Kumar Bordoloi. Elora Goswami’s anchoring and Bipul Barua’s music direction added to the evening’s enchantment.