AJAN FAKIR SAHEB, one of the latest Assamese feature films directed by Asif Iqbal Hussain, was highly appreciated by the critics for its overall presentation, particularly its music. Zikir – a genre of traditional songs, initiated by the legendary Ajan Fakir Saheb, has been brought into focus through the big screen for the first time in its proper perspective. Besides this, various other traditional and folk music were the major attractions of the film. Significantly, it was the first music-directorial venture for Dwijen Konwar – a familiar name in the field of Assamese music. He is a singer, lyricist, and a composer of repute. With a firm classical foundation since his childhood, he has shown sincerity and dedication towards the learning of music. He is well-versed in a variety of Assamese modern, traditional, folk and devotional songs. He was trained in Bhajan by late Deven Sarma.

Dwijen Konwar has a long list of achievements in his journey in pursuit of music. A regular vocalist of Akashvani since 1983, and of Doordarshan, Guwahati, his audio cassettes like Gaamkharu, Smriti Dhara, Prathama Prahar Ratri, Monpokhi and Prarthana (church songs in Assamese, with lyrics by Nirmal Prabha Bordoloi), have been well received by the listeners. He has sung and scored music for television serials like Doohsamay, Samoy, Dinar Pichat Din, Surar Prithivi and Rabha Ki Abha (Hindi), and for telefilms like Kalpanar Kachghar, Dhurandhar Baba etc. He has scored for popular music albums titled Parbotor Nizare and Nol Birinar Paat. His Bihu-based compositions are rendered by popular singers Zubeen Garg, Krishnamoni Chutia and Anupam Saikia, Tarali Sarma and Bhitali etc.

He is an approved lyricist of AIR, and his lyrics with his tunes are set to be rendered by noted singers like Shanta Uzir, JP Das, Bipul Barua, Sandhya Menon, Tulika Lahkar, Babita Sarma, Mahananda Mazindar Barua and Dilip Gogoi etc. Dwijen Konwar is well versed too in a variety of traditional indigenous music like Aainam, Dihanam, Dehbichar, Tokarigeet and Baromohia Geet. Hailing from Nalbari district, he has had several occasions to learn a variety of folk music. His audio cassettes of Namghosa and Ainam, titled Bhakat-Vaishnav, sung with singer Bidyasagar, drew the attention of listeners.

The two remarkable events of his musical career include a presentation of chorus by around 5,000 children on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Nehru stadium at Guwahati, and a Jyoti Sangeet by around 1,000 children at the Chandmari AEI field on Jyoti Divas. He respectfully recalls the patronisation of late Phani Sarma, under whose guidance he had the opportunity to showcase his musical ability. Sri Bhishmanarayan Singh, after hearing the song at the stadium, had heartily congratulated Dwijen Konwar. The song was also telecast on the national channels.

Konwar has recently directed music, written lyrics, and has sung for forthcoming telefilms like Art And Movies’ Parichay and Shubha Bibah, directed by well known director Asif Iqbal Hussain. We look forward to more creations from Dwijen Konwar.

Apurba Kumar Das