Life & Legacy
Early Life
Dipen Baruah was born on 19 November 1945 at Latashil in Guwahati, Assam. He was the youngest son of Chandranath Baruah and Jonprabha Baruah. He belonged to the renowned Baruah family, which made significant contributions to Assamese cinema, literature and music. Growing up in a culturally rich environment inspired him to develop an appreciation for music, although his first passion was sports.
Education
Dipen Baruah completed his primary education at Latashil Primary School. He later studied at Cotton Collegiate High School before moving to Kamrup Academy, where he completed his matriculation. He subsequently joined Cotton College, earning a Bachelor's degree with Political Science and Education as his major subjects.
Cricket Career
Before becoming a playback singer, Dipen Baruah established himself as a talented cricketer. He captained Assam in the Cooch Behar Trophy and represented the East Zone in national-level cricket tournaments. He also played for Assam in the Ranji Trophy, proving himself as an accomplished all-rounder. His sporting achievements reflected his leadership qualities and discipline, qualities that later benefited his musical career.
Musical Career
Dipen Baruah entered Assamese cinema through the landmark film Dr. Bezbaruah in 1969. The opportunity came when his elder brothers, filmmaker Brajen Baruah and music director Ramen Baruah, recognized his natural singing ability. His debut songs became immensely popular and contributed significantly to the success of the film, which is regarded as a milestone in Assamese cinema.
Following this breakthrough, he dedicated himself entirely to music and gradually became one of the leading playback singers in Assam. Throughout his career, he lent his voice to more than 50 Assamese films, working with some of the finest composers and filmmakers in the industry. His songs are admired for their emotional depth, melodious expression and timeless appeal.
Apart from playback singing, Dipen Baruah has performed extensively in live concerts, cultural festivals and television programmes, helping promote Assamese music across India. His voice remains closely associated with the golden era of Assamese cinema.
Here are some of the most popular and memorable songs sung by Dipen (Dwipen) Baruah in Assamese cinema. These songs remain classics and continue to be loved by Assamese music enthusiasts.
Famous Songs of Dipen Baruah
- Mayabini Rati
- Film: Dr. Bezbaruah (1969)
- One of the most iconic Assamese film songs of all time.
- Buku Hum Hum Kore
- Film: Dr. Bezbaruah (1969)
- A timeless Assamese romantic classic.
- Aji Ei Xondhiya
- Popular Assamese modern song known for its melodious composition.
- Tumi Je Mur
- A popular romantic playback song from Assamese cinema.
- Mor Xopunor
- Widely appreciated for its emotional lyrics and melody.
- Mon Mur Uri Gusi Jai
- A memorable Assamese film song.
- Aji Mur Mon
- One of his well-known evergreen Assamese songs.
- Jilikabo Luitor Paar
- Popular stage and radio favourite.
- Mur Monore
- A classic Assamese melody performed by Dipen Baruah.
- Aji Bhal Pao Buli
- A popular romantic Assamese song.
- Phool Phulise
- Frequently featured in Assamese musical programmes.
- O Mur Apunar Desh
- One of the memorable patriotic performances associated with Assamese culture.
Popular Assamese Films Featuring His Playback Singing
- Dr. Bezbaruah (1969)
- Baruah'r Sansar (1970)
- Mukuta (1970)
- Manab Aru Danab (1971)
- Yog Biyog (1971)
- Lalita (1972)
- Opaja Sonar Mati (1972)
- Sonatora (1973)
- Toramai (1976)
- Sonama (1977)
- Moromi (1978)
- Ashray (1979)
- Azali Nabou (1980)
- Raja Harishchandra (1980)
- Mon Aru Morom (1980)
- Manasi (1981)
- Raja (1982)
- Shakuntala Aru Shankar Joseph Ali (1983)
- Anthony Mor Nam (1986)
- Aai Mor Janame Janame (1988)
- Ajala Kokai (1989)
- Iman Morom Kiyo Lage (2002)
- Tumiye Mor Kalpanar (2002)
Personal Life
Dipen Baruah's personal life is remembered for a touching love story. During the shooting of the Assamese film Toramai in 1976, he met Syeda Jyotsna Rahman, and the two fell in love. Family circumstances prevented them from marrying for many years. After waiting for more than three decades, they finally married on 21 September 2009, when Dipen Baruah was 64 years old. Their marriage became an inspiring example of enduring love and commitment.
His wife passed away in 2020, leaving behind memories of their long and remarkable journey together.
Major Achievements
Dipen Baruah has made lasting contributions to Assamese music and cinema.
His major achievements include:
- One of the most popular playback singers in Assamese cinema.
- Sang songs in more than 50 Assamese feature films.
- Helped popularize Assamese film music during its golden era.
- Former captain of Assam in the Cooch Behar Trophy.
- Represented Assam in the Ranji Trophy.
- Continues to perform in cultural programmes and music events.
- Widely regarded as one of the legendary voices of Assamese cinema.
Awards and Recognition
Dipen Baruah has received several prestigious honours for his lifelong contribution to music and Assamese culture.
- Silpi Award by the Government of Assam (2015)
- Promothesh Baruah Lifetime Achievement Award at the Assam State Film Awards (2018)
- Assam Sourav, one of Assam's highest civilian honours (2024)
- Lifetime Achievement Award by Pride East Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. presented by the Governor of Assam (2025)
- Prag Shine Lifetime Achievement Award by Prag News (2026)
Positions Held
- Playback Singer
- Live Performer
- Cultural Ambassador of Assamese Music
- Former Ranji Trophy Cricketer
- Former Cricket Captain in Cooch Behar Trophy
FAQs about Dipen Baruah
1. Who is Dipen Baruah?
Dipen Baruah, also known as Dwipen Baruah, is a legendary Assamese playback singer and former first-class cricketer who has contributed significantly to Assamese cinema and music.
2. When was Dipen Baruah born?
Dipen Baruah was born on 19 November 1945 in Latashil, Guwahati, Assam.
3. Why is Dipen Baruah famous?
He is famous for singing in more than 50 Assamese films and for being one of the most respected playback singers in Assamese cinema.
4. Was Dipen Baruah a cricketer?
Yes. Before becoming a singer, he represented Assam in the Ranji Trophy and captained Assam in the Cooch Behar Trophy.
5. Which was Dipen Baruah's first film as a playback singer?
His playback singing career began with the landmark Assamese film Dr. Bezbaruah in 1969.
6. How many Assamese films has Dipen Baruah sung for?
He has sung playback songs in more than 50 Assamese films during his long musical career.
7. Which major awards has Dipen Baruah received?
He has received the Silpi Award, Promothesh Baruah Lifetime Achievement Award, Assam Sourav, Pride East Lifetime Achievement Award and Prag Shine Lifetime Achievement Award.
8. Who is Dipen Baruah's wife?
Dipen Baruah married Syeda Jyotsna Rahman on 21 September 2009 after a long relationship spanning more than three decades.
9. Has Dipen Baruah written any books?
According to publicly available information, he has not published any books.
10. What is Dipen Baruah's contribution to Assamese culture?
Dipen Baruah has played a vital role in preserving and promoting Assamese film music through his memorable playback songs and lifelong contribution to the cultural heritage of Assam.
