Guwahati has been home to, or significantly shaped by, numerous influential figures:
* **Dr. Bhupen Hazarika:** Legendary playback singer, lyricist, musician, and filmmaker; a cultural icon of Assam. * **Tarun Gogoi:** Long-serving former Chief Minister of Assam who spent much of his political career operating from the city. * **Zubeen Garg:** Immensely popular contemporary singer, music director, and actor. * **Indira Goswami (Mamoni Raisom Goswami):** Jnanpith Award-winning author, poet, and academic who taught at Gauhati University. * **Shiva Thapa:** Olympic boxer who hails from Guwahati and has won multiple medals at the Asian Championships. * **Angaraag "Papon" Mahanta:** Nationally acclaimed singer and record producer known for his work in Bollywood and Assamese music.