Dipali Barthakur Biography 
Dipali Barthakur, also known as the "Nightingale of Assam" is a singer belonging to Assamese language. Her folk songs in this language are indeed popular. For her contributions towards the field of music, especially traditional folk music, Government of India honoured her with the fourth highest civilian honour - Padma Shri in 1998. She passed away most recently on December 21, 2018, aged 77. She was suffering from severe motor neuron disease for a while, which also brought a hindrance to her singing career abruptly before it fully took off. She was forced her to the wheelchair during her last days. She has also rendered her voice for Assamese film songs since late 1950s. She was the daughter-in-law of renowned writer, Binanda Chandra Barua.
Dipali Barthakur was born on 30 January 1941 in Nilomoni Tea Estate, Sonari, Sivasagar, Assam. Bishwanath Borthakur and Chandrakanti Devi were her parents. She started her career as a singer during her school days. When she was studying in class nine, in 1958, she sang the song "Mor Bopai Lahori" on AIR Guwahati station. The following year she sang the song "Joubone Amoni Kore Chenaidhon" for the film Lachit Borphukan, marking her debut in playback singing for films. "Joubone Aamoni Kore, Chenaidhon", "Sonor Kharu Nalage Muk", "Jundhone Junalite" etc are among her popular songs.
In the next 10 years she registered some of the memorable songs to her name. "Luito nejabi boi" in 1969 was the last song she sang. Her severe Motor neuron disease prompted her to end her singing career and she also used a wheel chair. She married painter-artist Neel Pawan Barua in 1976, son of famous writer Binanda Chandra Barua. Apart from Padma Shri, she was a recipient of Silipi Bota (2010) from Government of Assam, Aideu Handique Silpi Award (2012) and many other honours.
Published: February 16, 2019
Updated: February 16, 2019
