Originally from Assam but currently based in California, Rupam has been interested in music from the time he was a small child. He learnt Indian instruments and classical vocals during his time in Golaghat and Jorhat. Although he was always passionate about music, he also took his education seriously. He completed his engineering from JEC, and moved to USA to pursue further studies in computer science and management. He also continued to explore other fields such as film, sound engineering and music. In the US, his guru was none other than Ali Akbar Khan, Hindustani classical maestro. Over the years, Rupam has found success in many different fields; he is a music director, filmmaker, composer, singer, entrepreneur and a computer engineer. Rupam has worked for top IT companies and is currently doing research on Artificial Intelligence.
One of the most exceptional feats is when he composed and directed an International Symphony, A Musical Journey for World Peace, which featured 315 unique musical instruments from all over the world and over 500 performers. He holds a Guinness World Record® for the effort.
Rupam has worked with numerous international top artistes in over 35 countries both in film and music, namely Oscar nominated actor Dan Aykroyd, Siedah Garrett who performed with Michael Jackson; Alan White of YES!; British musician Julian Lennon; Grammy® winning artistes like Janis Ian, Brian Vibberts, Kathy Sledge, Laura Sullivan, and many others. In India, Rupam has worked with many artistes and national award winning actors from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Assam.
Rupam always promotes Assam and India wherever he goes. ‘I love my country and I aim to promote Assamese and Indian art and culture on international platforms.’ In fact, one of his earlier directorial projects, In Search of God is about a spiritual quest in Majuli. The film received many international awards in music and film including Best Documentary Feature Film at Indian Film Festival in USA. The score was also included in the Oscar® long nominations list and was acquired by Oscar® library. Rupam is also a voting member of Grammy® since 2005 as a musician, producer and engineer.
Rupam is also actively involved in many humanitarian initiatives. He is currently working on a World Peace through Media Initiatives Project – Together in Peace and Action Moves People United with UNESCO, World Genesis Foundation and Human Rights Organisation.
His latest project is a Hollywood feature film, which has been directed and screenplay by the artiste himself. Called One Little Finger, the film aims to focus on ‘Ability in Disability’. Currently in post-production, it will be released sometime in 2018. His latest music album, A Musical Journey: Together in Peace, charted #1 on the Billboard World Music Chart.
Fact File
- He received ‘Builder of the Universe’ award from UNESCO USA and UNESCO Center for Peace, and has been working as a Cross-Cultural Ambassador since 2016.
- The song Enlighten Your Soul composed by Rupam received the ‘Best Global Peace Song’ award in 2017.
- Rupam’s Omkara Music Therapy, a research-based project, is being used at a number of institutions to help people with disabilities relieve pain, mental condition, and depression.
- He is working with a foundation for research and education about Music Therapy and Neuroscience at Prerona Institute, Jorhat.
- He received the Human Rights Award in 2016 and 2012 for his contribution towards social change, advocating for peace and equality.
This feature was first published in Eclectic Northeast November 2017 issue
