Hazarika- Lajmi love story Recreation on celluloid

While the relationship between legendary singer-composer Bhupen Hazarika and filmmaker Kalpana Lajmi had been in public domain for long, it is for the first time that a Bollywood director is recreating it on the big screen.  

Director Prem Soni, who last helmed actress Preity Zinta's debut film production “Ishkq in Paris”, is making the biopic. The yet-to-be-titled film chronicles the love story of Hazarika and his companion of 40 years, Kalpana Lajmi.

“The film is still in scripting stage. It would take time, at least two-three months. It's tough to make a film on a legendary personality like him (Hazarika). It is not easy to create someone's journey on paper,” Soni told the media. 

Soni is working with Lajmi on the script. “She is helping us a lot with this film. It's her film, her life. She knows the story well,” the director said.

“I don't know yet as there is so much to show. It's an emotional film,” Soni said, when asked about the aspects of Hazarika's life that he would include in the film.

Who will essay the role of Hazarika? Well, names of actors like Irrfan Khan, Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh and Prosenjit Chattejree are doing the rounds for the lead role. However, none has been finalised as yet.

“It would be an iconic role to play on screen. We will get someone apt for the role. It would be a challenge to find the right actor. We don't know if we will go with an experienced or a young actor to play his character,” Soni said.

Lajmi, who directed the film “Rudaali” for which Hazarika composed the music, said, “It's not easy to make a film on a legend like him (Hazarika). The film will mostly happen next year.” 

Hazarika has donned several hats -- that of a lyricist, musician, singer, poet and filmmaker. He is acknowledged for having introduced the culture and folk music of Assam and north-east India to Hindi cinema.