It’s incredibly challenging to put into words the impact of a figure who was not just an elder brother and mentor, but also one of the greatest singers of our era. For four days, my home state of Assam has been draped in sorrow, as countless thousands have gathered to say their final goodbyes.
It seems everyone in Assam carries a personal story about Zubeen Da, a testament to his profound connection with the people. Here, I share mine.
Across Assam, offices closed in his honor, and cities became vast galleries of his flower-adorned photographs, with his music echoing from loudspeakers everywhere. Until September 23rd, an unending sea of mourners converged on a stadium, where his body lay in a glass coffin, allowing people to offer their final respects.
What truly made Zubeen Garg such an extraordinary phenomenon? Beyond his remarkable musical prowess—playing 12 instruments and performing nearly 40,000 songs in over 40 languages—he was a fearless voice. He never hesitated to confront ministers and politicians, challenging them openly in press conferences and interviews. Describing himself as apolitical, casteless, and a socialist, Zubeen Da transcended mere labels; he was profoundly connected to the common people, a true champion of the masses.
The Rise of a Legend
Affectionately known as Zubeen Da, his journey began in Jorhat when he pedaled to Guwahati for higher education, his keyboard precariously balanced on his bicycle. His exceptional voice quickly made him a sensation at B Borooah College, where he dominated inter-college singing competitions. His debut album, Anamika (1992), was an immediate runaway success. A cherished legend recounts that Zubeen Da once famously walked out of his college exams, leaving a worried principal behind, only to return the following year as the esteemed chief guest.
In 1995, my father, then secretary of the Assam Association in Mumbai, heard whispers of this burgeoning star from Assam. Captivated by his talent, he invited Zubeen Da to perform annually at the Bihu festival. My own earliest memory of him dates back to 1998, witnessing a spontaneous live jam. My mother was performing at a Bihu event in Santacruz when Zubeen Da unexpectedly joined her on stage, playing the harmonium as she sang—a moment of pure magic I had never before encountered.
Our paths wouldn’t cross again until 2010, by which time Zubeen Da had ascended to superstardom. He had carved a significant niche in Bollywood, delivering smash hits like ‘Ya Ali,’ produced by Pritam, and ‘Subah Subah,’ produced by Vishal-Shekhar, where Bollywood giants like Shah Rukh, Arjun Rampal, and Hrithik Roshan grooved to his voice amidst the vibrant streets of London. Many of his songs became staple features on popular music channels like Channel V and MTV.
Zubeen Da had a unique way of making everyone feel seen and heard. I’m certain anyone who met him would echo this sentiment. He carried no pretense, maintaining incredible accessibility, always radiating immense love and profound humility.
During a period when the Assamese film industry was struggling, Zubeen Da became its driving force for revival. He dedicated the subsequent decade to crafting visually stunning films and music videos, embarking on extensive tours, and actively laying the groundwork for emerging artists like myself to thrive. Thanks to his relentless efforts, Assam’s live music scene flourished.
A Heart for Nature and the Unconventional
Zubeen Da possessed an inherent connection with nature, boasting a genuine green thumb and a penchant for the unconventional. For him, engaging with the natural world was vital, and his surroundings frequently reflected this, often brimming with greenery. During the pandemic, while I was back home in Assam, I remember driving with Zubeen Da after a shoot. In his car, I noticed bags of fertilizer and boxes of seeds; he was excitedly planning to cultivate vegetables in his studio compound.
Among his unique companions was a pet stork. While the exact story of how he found and befriended it remains unknown to me, I vividly recall him feeding it fish, even when it meant pausing his numerous recording sessions. He would often book the studio for extended periods, simply to accommodate these delightful interruptions. He also had a pet monkey that frequently slept beside him, discovered during one of Zubeen Da’s wilderness explorations and later gently returned to its natural habitat.
The People’s Champion
Every single day, nearly twenty people would gather outside his studio—some hoping for a photograph, others seeking assistance or advice. Whether it was help with rent, a medical emergency, or simply a listening ear, Zubeen Da never turned anyone away. He was our modern-day Robin Hood, a larger-than-life figure with an extraordinarily generous heart, almost like a benevolent Pablo Escobar.
A Legacy That Continues to Resonate
Although we had plans for a collaboration, it never materialized because I was focused on English music back then. Zubeen Da’s gentle advice was, “Rahul, my people want Assamese music. Let me know when you’re ready for that.” Consequently, many of my evenings were spent simply observing him record. We’d chat about guitars, our shared appreciation for ‘The Peaky Blinders’, his favorite Western artists, and his latest gardening plans for his studio.
There were times when his studio was packed with people, simply sitting on the floor, listening intently. Zubeen Da would sit on a stool, much like the revered elder of a village, with me by his feet. On one unforgettable occasion, he turned to me and said, “Rahul, I never had a son; be my son.” As I grappled with the profound weight of his words, he effortlessly turned back to the crowd, captivating them once more with his engaging stories.
The following years saw me intensely focused on establishing myself in Assamese music, hoping to earn his serious consideration. I regret not staying in touch as consistently as I should have during that time.
My final encounter with Zubeen Da was in 2024, backstage at the Rongali Festival in Guwahati, where we were both featured in the same lineup. I had just celebrated winning my first National Award for ‘Best Folk Song of the Year’ with my producer, ICONYK, for my Assamese track ‘Toradoi’.
After our performance, as we relaxed in the green room, word spread that Zubeen Da had arrived. He walked in, clad in his characteristic red vest, black shorts, and signature hat, and greeted me with such genuine warmth that it felt as if no time had passed since our last meeting. Later that day, he even took to the stage to gently guide another band, meticulously teaching the performing artist the correct notes, all before a delighted audience of 10,000 people. Afterwards, he joined us for some amusing boomerangs. That encapsulates the essence of the man he was.
We had planned to meet the following day, but fate intervened, and it never happened. I will forever carry the profound regret of not having seized that final opportunity.
Zubeen Da paved the way, allowing subsequent generations of Assamese artists, like myself, to truly flourish. He was a rockstar in every sense of the word, a singular talent whose kind we may never see again.
Rahul Rajkhowa is an accomplished Assamese singer-songwriter, rapper, and educator, specializing in history and arts.