Zubeen Garg: Forever in our Hearts

Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan

(hrbhuyancolumnist@gmail.com)

The sudden and tragic departure of Zubeen Garg has left an indelible void in the cultural fabric of Assam, a loss that reverberates far beyond the borders of the state and into the hearts of millions who cherished his voice, his spirit, and his unwavering dedication to his homeland. Zubeen Garg was not merely a singer, lyricist, composer, or actor; he was a phenomenon, a cultural force whose contributions transcended the realm of music to touch the very soul of Assam. His untimely demise, shrouded in the mystery of a foreign sea, has left the Assamese community grappling with grief, disbelief, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility to preserve his legacy. This editorial seeks to reflect on Zubeen Garg’s multifaceted contributions to Assamese music, cinema, and society, exploring the depth of his impact and the enduring resonance of his work in shaping the cultural identity of Assam.

Zubeen Garg’s journey began with a voice that seemed to carry the essence of Assam’s rivers, hills, and vibrant traditions. Over nearly three decades, he gifted the world over thirty-eight thousand songs, a staggering testament to his prolific talent and relentless passion. From the soulful strains of traditional ‘Borgeet’ and folk songs to the pulsating rhythms of Bollywood, Zubeen’s versatility knew no bounds. His ability to seamlessly navigate diverse musical landscapes—singing in languages as varied as Bodo, Tiwa, Mising, Tamil, and Telugu—demonstrated not only his technical prowess but also his deep respect for cultural diversity. His voice was a bridge, connecting the rustic simplicity of Assam’s villages with the cosmopolitan allure of urban India. Each note he sang carried the weight of Assam’s heritage, blending it effortlessly with modern sensibilities to create a sound that was both timeless and contemporary.

What set Zubeen apart was not just his vocal range but the emotional depth he infused into every performance. His voice had a rare quality—a magnetic pull that could evoke joy, nostalgia, or heartache with equal intensity. Whether it was the romantic yearning of his melodies or the poignant protest in his socially conscious songs, Zubeen’s music spoke directly to the listener’s heart. His lyrics, often simple yet profound, captured the universal themes of love, loss, and longing while grounding them in the cultural specificity of Assam. References to the Brahmaputra, the lush greenery of the state, and the rhythms of ‘Bihu’ were not mere poetic devices but a celebration of Assam’s identity, woven into the fabric of his songs. This ability to blend the local with the universal made his music accessible to a wide audience, from the rural heartlands of Assam to the bustling metropolises of India.

Zubeen’s contributions to Assamese music were transformative, ushering in a new era that redefined the genre for a modern audience. Before his rise, Assamese music, while rich in tradition, often remained confined to regional boundaries. Zubeen changed that narrative by introducing a contemporary flair that appealed to the youth while preserving the essence of traditional forms. His songs broke away from the conventional structures of Assamese music, emphasizing themes of romance, entertainment, and emotional expression. This shift was not a rejection of tradition but an evolution, a bold step that brought Assamese music to the national stage. His collaborations with lyricists like Hiren Bhattacharya, Diganta Bharati, and Jayanta Kikati resulted in songs that carried a special mixture of poetic simplicity and modern appeal, resonating with a generation eager for music that reflected their aspirations and emotions.

Beyond his musical genius, Zubeen Garg was a cultural ambassador for Assam. His work in Bollywood and Bengali cinema elevated the visibility of Assamese talent, proving that the state’s artists could compete on a national platform. His voice became a symbol of Assam’s pride, carrying the state’s cultural heritage to audiences across India. Songs in Hindi and Bengali films bore his unmistakable imprint, blending Assamese sensibilities with the mainstream appeal of Indian cinema. This cross-cultural pollination not only broadened the reach of Assamese music but also fostered a sense of unity, showcasing the richness of Assam’s traditions to a diverse audience. His success in these industries was a matter of immense pride for Assam, a reminder that the state’s cultural contributions could hold their own on any stage.

Zubeen’s influence extended far beyond the recording studio. He was a man of action, deeply committed to the social and cultural uplift of Assam. His establishment of the ‘Kalaguru Artist Foundation’ was a testament to his desire to give back to the community that nurtured him. Through this initiative, he supported struggling artists, artisans, and underprivileged individuals, providing them with opportunities to thrive. His efforts to revive Assam’s football culture, a sport that had long been overshadowed, demonstrated his foresight in recognizing the power of sports to unite and inspire the youth. By organizing matches across the state, he sought to rekindle interest in football, fostering a sense of community and pride among young Assamese.

His activism was equally impactful. Zubeen was a vocal advocate for environmental conservation, particularly the protection of Assam’s rhinos, a cause he championed with unwavering dedication. His calls to declare floods a national issue highlighted his empathy for the plight of Assam’s people, who face the annual devastation of floods with little respite. During these crises, Zubeen was not content to remain a distant observer; he was on the ground, collecting donations and delivering aid to those in need. His actions spoke louder than his words, embodying the spirit of a true son of Assam who felt the pain of his people as his own.

Zubeen’s foray into cinema further cemented his status as a multifaceted artist. His performances in films like ‘Deenbandhu’ and ‘Mon Jai’ showcased his ability to convey raw emotion and authenticity on screen. These roles were not mere extensions of his musical persona but a testament to his versatility as an artist. However, his most significant contribution to Assamese cinema came as a producer and music director. At a time when the industry was grappling with declining audiences and financial constraints, Zubeen took a monumental risk by investing heavily in films like ‘Mission China’ and ‘Kanchanjangha’. These films, crafted with cutting-edge technology and a vision to rival Bollywood, were not just commercial successes but cultural milestones. They proved that Assamese cinema could be both artistically rich and commercially viable, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to dream big. Zubeen’s courage to take on such ambitious projects at a time when others hesitated was a defining moment for the industry, reinforcing his role as a trailblazer.

Yet, Zubeen Garg was more than the sum of his achievements. He was a figure of immense relatability, a man who, despite his towering success, remained deeply connected to the people of Assam. His candidness, often laced with humour and a touch of defiance, endeared him to audiences. He spoke his mind fearlessly, addressing issues that others shied away from, even if it invited controversy. This outspokenness, while occasionally polarizing, was a reflection of his authenticity. He was not afraid to challenge the status quo, whether it was through his music, his social activism, or his public statements. Yet, even in moments of disagreement, the people of Assam never stopped loving him. He was, in every sense, a son of the soil—a figure whose imperfections only made him more human, more beloved.

The mystery surrounding Zubeen’s death adds a layer of poignancy to his legacy. His final moments, lost to the embrace of a foreign sea, seem almost poetic, given his deep love for nature. Yet, the unanswered questions surrounding his passing leave a lingering sense of unease. Was it fate, a cruel twist of destiny, or something more? For now, these questions remain unresolved, but they do not diminish the magnitude of his contributions. Zubeen’s life was a testament to the power of art to inspire, unite, and transform. His music, his films, and his social initiatives were not just expressions of talent but acts of love for Assam and its people.

The challenge now lies in preserving Zubeen Garg’s legacy. His departure has left Assam in a state of collective mourning, but it must also serve as a call to action. His dreams for Assam—whether in the realm of music, cinema, or social change—remain unfinished. It is the responsibility of the Assamese people, from artists to ordinary citizens, to carry forward his vision. His songs, which continue to resonate in homes across the state, must be celebrated and shared with future generations. His films, which breathed new life into Assamese cinema, must inspire filmmakers to push the boundaries of creativity. His social initiatives, from environmental conservation to support for the underprivileged, must find new champions to continue his work.

Zubeen Garg’s music was a mirror to Assam’s soul, reflecting its beauty, its struggles, and its aspirations. His melodies captured the simplicity of rural life, the vibrancy of its traditions, and the complexities of its modern existence. His voice was a unifying force, bringing together diverse communities under the shared banner of Assamese identity. To lose him is to lose a part of Assam’s heartbeat, but to remember him is to keep that heartbeat alive. His songs, imbued with the spirit of the Brahmaputra and the hills of Assam, will continue to echo through time, reminding us of a man who gave his all to his people.

In the days to come, as Assam grapples with this profound loss, the task is clear: Zubeen Garg must not fade into memory. His contributions must be celebrated, his vision nurtured, and his spirit kept alive in the cultural consciousness of the state. He was not just a singer or an artist; he was Assam’s pride, its voice, and its heart. His music will continue to inspire, his films will continue to entertain, and his legacy will continue to guide. Zubeen Garg may have left this world, but in the hearts of the Assamese people, he will forever remain—a beacon of creativity, courage, and love for his homeland. Let us honour him by ensuring that his songs, his dreams, and his spirit live on, as vibrant and eternal as the land he so deeply cherished.