Zubeen Da: Remembering Assam’s Rockstar, Brother, and Mentor

Writing this feels like the hardest task imaginable. It’s a tribute to an elder brother, a guiding mentor, and one of the most remarkable singers of our era. For four days, my home state of Assam has been shrouded in grief, with countless thousands gathering to bid their final goodbyes.

Everyone who knew him, or even just knew *of* him, seems to carry a personal ‘Zubeen Da’ story. This is mine.

Across Assam, offices closed their doors in respect. The cities were adorned with his photographs, overflowing with flowers, as his music filled the air from every speaker. Until September 23rd, a veritable sea of mourners converged on a stadium, where his body lay in a glass coffin, allowing people to offer their final respects.

What transformed him into such an extraordinary phenomenon? Zubeen Garg was a musical powerhouse, mastering 12 instruments and lending his voice to nearly 40,000 songs in more than 40 languages. He was fearless, openly confronting ministers and politicians in press conferences and interviews. He proudly declared himself apolitical, casteless, and a socialist. Beyond any labels, he was undeniably a man of the people, a true champion of the masses.

His Early Journey

Affectionately known as “Zubeen Da” throughout Assam, his journey began in Jorhat. He cycled to Guwahati for higher education, a keyboard precariously balanced, and soon became a sensation at B Borooah College, dominating inter-college singing competitions. His debut album, Anamika (1992), was an immediate triumph. A cherished legend recounts Zubeen Da famously walking out of his college exams, leaving a worried principal behind, only to return the very next year as the honored chief guest.

In 1995, my father, then secretary of the Assam Association in Mumbai, heard whispers of a rising star from Assam. He was captivated by Zubeen Da’s talent and soon invited him to perform annually at the Bihu festival. My first vivid memory of him dates back to 1998, at a Bihu event in Santacruz. My mother was performing when Zubeen Da spontaneously joined her on stage, playing the harmonium as she sang – a captivating, electrifying moment unlike anything I had witnessed before.

It wasn’t until 2010 that our paths crossed again. By then, he had soared to superstardom, making a significant impact in Bollywood with hits like ‘Ya Ali’ (produced by Pritam) and ‘Subah Subah’ (by Vishal-Shekhar), where Bollywood icons like Shah Rukh, Arjun Rampal, and Hrithik Roshan grooved to Zubeen Da’s distinctive voice on the streets of London. Many of his songs became staples on popular music channels like Channel V and MTV.

There was a unique charm in how Zubeen Da engaged with people; anyone who met him would attest to it. He carried no pretense, always approachable, radiating immense love and humility.

During a challenging period for the Assamese film industry, Zubeen Da single-handedly spearheaded its revival. He dedicated a decade to crafting visually stunning films and music videos, touring relentlessly, and establishing a nurturing environment for aspiring artists like myself. Thanks to his relentless efforts, Assam’s live music scene flourished.

A Heart for the Wild

Zubeen Da possessed a profound love for nature, always keen to engage with its literal and metaphorical ‘wild side’. He believed connecting with nature was vital, and his surroundings often reflected this, adorned with lush greenery. I vividly recall a drive back from a shoot with him in Assam during the pandemic; his car was filled with bags of fertilizer and seed boxes. He was enthusiastically planning a vegetable garden within his studio compound.

Adding to his unique character, he kept a pet stork. While the story of its discovery and why he chose to care for it remains a mystery to me, I do know he would feed it fish, even when its presence interrupted numerous recording sessions. He’d simply book the studio for longer to accommodate these delightful delays. He also had a pet monkey, found during one of his wilderness adventures, that would frequently sleep by his side before eventually being released back into its natural habitat.

Champion of the People

Every single day, nearly two dozen people would gather outside his studio – some seeking a photograph, others desperately needing help, or simply looking for his wisdom. Whether it was assistance with rent or a medical emergency, Zubeen Da never turned anyone away. He was our modern-day Robin Hood, a larger-than-life figure with an immense heart, much like a benevolent Pablo Escobar of the people.

A Lasting Musical Legacy

We had plans to collaborate, but it never came to fruition because I was focused on English music at the time. He gently told me, “Rahul, my people crave Assamese music. Let me know when you’re ready for that.” Consequently, many of my evenings were spent simply observing him during recording sessions. We’d chat about guitars, our shared appreciation for ‘The Peaky Blinders’, his favorite Western artists, and his latest gardening plans for the studio compound.

Often, his studio would be packed with people simply sitting on the floor, listening intently. He would sit on a stool, much like an revered village elder, with me seated beside him. One evening, he looked at me and said, “Rahul, I never had a son; be my son.” As I tried to absorb the profound meaning of his words, he turned back to the crowd, effortlessly captivating them with more of his stories.

Over the next few years, I dedicated myself to establishing my presence in Assamese music, hoping to earn his serious recognition. I regret, however, not staying in touch as often as I should have.

My final encounter with Zubeen Da was in 2024, backstage at the Rongali Festival in Guwahati. We were both performing in the same lineup, and I had just received my first National Award for Best Folk Song of the Year, alongside my producer ICONYK, for my Assamese track ‘Toradoi’.

After our set, while we were in the green room, word spread that Zubeen Da had arrived. He walked in, clad in a red vest, black shorts, and his iconic hat, and greeted me with such warmth it felt as if no time had passed since our last meeting. That same day, he even took the stage to mentor a band, correcting their vocal notes directly in front of a thrilled audience of 10,000. Afterwards, he joined us for some hilarious boomerangs. That encapsulates the extraordinary person he was.

We were supposed to meet again the following day, but fate intervened. The regret of not having that final meeting will stay with me forever.

Zubeen Da paved the way, allowing generations of Assamese artists like us to thrive. He was a true rockstar, a rare breed, and his like will not be seen again.

Rahul Rajkhowa is an Assamese singer-songwriter, rapper, and a history and arts educator.