Simona Choudhury
Respected Zubeen Garg, will always be remembered as a highly influential figure in the cultural tapestry of India, widely recognized for his distinctive lifestyle, remarkable achievements, and prodigious talent. His persona is characterized by an unconventional and often outspoken approach, embodying a spirit of artistic freedom and social consciousness that frequently translates into activism and candid expressions of his convictions. Professionally, his prolific career spans across music, film direction, and acting, yielding countless chart-topping albums and critically acclaimed cinematic ventures that have significantly enriched Assamese arts and garnered national recognition. He founded the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation and utilised the funds towards public welfare. His multifaceted talent is evident in his mastery of 12 various musical instruments, recorded and sung more than 38000 songs in 40 different languages, his powerful and controversial vocal delivery, and his adeptness at storytelling through both song and film, seamlessly blending traditional Assamese folk elements with modern genres. He also advocated Assamese pride and defying ULFA’s ban on Hindi music, a stance he maintained despite threats yet the ULFA used to adore him and his music.
Zubeen Garg was such a character who could just melt hearts amidst chaos ! Consequently, Zubeen Garg will always stand as an enduring cultural icon whose profound contributions continue to shape and reflect the contemporary Assamese identity. As a multi-faceted artist, his contributions transcended mere entertainment, deeply embedding themselves within the cultural fabric of Assam through his soulful melodies, poignant lyrics, and unwavering advocacy for regional identity and social causes.
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Zubeen Garg played charity football matches to raise funds for flood-affected communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he even offered his two-storey residence in Guwahati to be used as a COVID Care Centre, helping to address the urgent shortage of beds during the crisis. We never spoke about the philanthropist while he was alive , we as humans are superficial and are preoccupied judging others and in this process missed out the opportunity to value the pure soul alive and midst us. The passing of Zubeen Garg would undoubtedly represent an immense and irreplaceable loss, profoundly impacting both the people of Assam and the broader Indian music industry. He voiced AIDS awareness, brain cancer research, and mental health initiatives by performing at concerts to raise funds and awareness. He loved nature. The animals and birds loved him back as much as he loved them . They used to flock around him. He was selfless and saved nothing for himself but gave every dime to the poor , the needy and even to his wealthy friends who seek his help and favours. He never traded his talent for validation from the Hindi film industry nor the Hindi music industry . He was selfless.
In fact on the eve of his ill-fated tour to Singapore, renowned artist Zubeen Garg experienced a profoundly heartwarming surprise , which he personally described to be a birthday celebration. A devoted admirer, invited the late singer to inaugurate “Melody Audio House (2G),” a library in Hatigaon area , meticulously curating an extensive collection dedicated to the legendary singer’s career. This remarkable institution houses nearly all of Zubeen Garg’s creations, including an impressive archive of approximately 10,000 archaic audio cassettes, a vast array of audio and video CDs, and significant literary works such as his books and various magazines featuring his interviews. Imagine the shock and the heart break this fan must have gone through on news of his idol’s demise. Zubeen Garg , a gem and pure soul gone too soon. His funeral is recognized by the Limca Book of Records as the fourth-largest public gathering worldwide. Do we humans need to say more ? This itself is a witness of what and who he was . A legendary singer , a living God in the form of a human , an aura, an emotion ! He is no more yet his soulful music , his biography , his photos can still make you fall in love with him , melt hearts , that’s our Zubeen Garg.
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As I pen down this tribute to him , I am listening to Mayabini , the song which touches your soul and can make you smile and cry at the same time. As a writer,I fall short of vocabulary when it comes to describing Zubeen Garg. He was someone who can touch hearts and transform lives. Zubeen Garg is an emotion in itself ! He deserves all the adoration and respect, maintaining his status as an enduring icon whose spirit continues to enrich the human experience. Mayabini ratir bukut,Dekha palu tumar sobi…. Rest in peace our King of Humming and King of Hearts !
