Jorhat, Aug. 6: An artiste of Xattriya culture and Majuli’s first violinist, Khagen Mukhtiar, died of cancer at his home in Bali chapori here today. He was 72.
An empanelled artiste of Doordarshan, Mukhtiar was, however, denied government’s shilpi (artiste) pension and died in penury.
His eldest son, Atul Mukhtiar, told The Telegraph over phone that his father was not given the pension despite being such a renowned violin player and famed singer of naam prasanga (religious hymns), as he was “did not have political clout”.
“My father was only given a one-time aid of Rs 10,000 in 2003,” Atul said.
Khagen Mukhtiar had won the Northeast
violin competition held in Guwahati in 1972 and on a couple of occasions
also accompanied the late Bhupen Hazarika on stage. He also lent tune
to songs played in raax and was a reputed borgeet singer.
“This morning after taking a bath, he
drank some cold water and fell down almost senseless. He then pointed to
us to take him outside and 15 minutes later he passed away,” Atul said.
Doctors at B. Barooah Cancer Institute had
said his cancer was in its final stage and there was no point in taking
him anywhere for treatment.
“Whatever they had prescribed we gave him at home,” his eldest son said.
-Abakash Majuli
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