Guwahati: Renowned Assamese flutist Dipak Sarma passed away early this morning in Chennai after a prolonged illness. He passed away at the age of 57.
He breathed his last around 6:15 AM at a hospital in Chennai on Monday (November 3), according to reports.
The flute maestro had been critically ill and was admitted to a hospital in Guwahati last month before being shifted to Chennai for advanced treatment.
In January 2023, Sarma took to Facebook to make an emotional appeal for financial assistance to undergo an expensive liver surgery. He mentioned that he was receiving treatment in Hyderabad but needed public support to continue. Expressing hope for recovery, he wrote, “I am sure I can take my flute in my hand again. With your kind monetary support, I hope to play my flute once more.”
Born in 1968 in Panigaon village of Nalbari district, he was widely admired for his exceptional mastery of the flute.
Sarma had been undergoing medical treatment for a long period.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier assisted with his medical expenses to help ease the financial burden.
Condoling his death, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote, “Deeply anguished to learn about the untimely demise of eminent flutist Dipak Sarma, who has contributed immensely towards Assamese music and popularised flute as a musical instrument. My sincere condolences to the bereaved family members and well-wishers. Om Shanti.”
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Sharma graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Guwahati Commerce College before pursuing his passion with a Master’s degree in Instrumental Music from Rabindra Bharati University, Calcutta, and further studies at Bhatkhand Sangeet Vidyapeeth, Lucknow.
His musical journey began in 1992 when he started training under the legendary flutist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.
Sarma’s directorial ventures include acclaimed projects such as Junky Panai, Jatinga, and Luitk Vetib Kone. Gaining international recognition, he performed both in India and abroad, and notably collaborated as a flutist with music legend Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and other eminent artists. In recognition of his remarkable contributions to music, he was honoured with several awards, including the Sangeet Prabha Award.
His demise marks the end of an era in Assamese music, with admirers cherishing his legacy and remembering him for his soulful melodies.
