The Voice That Defined an Era: Assam’s First RJ Fawzia Rahman Passes Away

Fawzia Rahman, fondly known as Effie and widely recognised as Assam’s first Radio Jockey, passed away on Friday morning at 4:40 a.m. She was admitted to a hospital in Guwahati after suffering a brain stroke. With her demise, Assam has lost a pioneering voice that shaped the state’s radio culture for decades.

A retired staff artist-cum-programme executive of All India Radio (AIR), Dibrugarh, Fawzia Rahman became a household name through her immensely popular Western music programmes aired from the 1970s to the 1990s. At a time when radio was the primary source of entertainment, her distinctive voice, effortless presentation and engaging style introduced listeners to a new way of experiencing music, earning her the distinction of being the first RJ of Assam.

Her programmes transcended age, language and social barriers, making her one of the most admired voices on Assamese radio. Fondly called Effie by generations of listeners, she enjoyed unmatched popularity and commanded deep respect from musicians, artists and broadcasting professionals alike.

Fawzia Rahman received her early education at Pine Mount School, Shillong, and later completed her Senior Cambridge at St. Mary’s School, Shillong. Her refined education and cultural exposure were evident in her polished on-air persona, which set a benchmark for radio presentation in the region.

The news of her passing has left the music fraternity, artists and radio listeners deeply shocked and grief-stricken. Many remember her as a trailblazer who not only entertained but also inspired a generation of broadcasters in Assam.

She was the wife of late Dr Alfred Rahman, former Vice Principal of Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh. She is survived by her younger daughter, Fariyal Rahman, and daughter-in-law, Zeenat. Her eldest son, Arfin Rahman, passed away in 2020.

The last rites will be held in Dibrugarh.

Fawzia Rahman’s legacy as Assam’s first Radio Jockey and a pioneering broadcaster will continue to live on through the countless voices she inspired and the memories she created over the airwaves.

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