In a recent podcast that has gone viral after his death, Zubeen Garg, the popular singer and cultural icon of Assam, shared some candid thoughts about his life, career, and how he believed he would be remembered. During the conversation with novelist-author Rita Chowdhury, Zubeen made a striking statement about his connection to Assam and how the state would react to his passing.
Zubeen recounted his time in Mumbai, where he lived for 12 years, stating he grew bored of the city life. He explained his decision to live in Assam by saying, "A king should never leave his kingdom". He contrasted his perception of his own importance in Assam with the lack of similar recognition for cultural figures in Mumbai. "When Lata Mangeshkar died, did they do anything? No. When Rajesh Khanna died, there was just news - Rajesh Khanna died. There is no king there. But if I die here in Assam, Assam will remain closed for 7 days," Zubeen declared.
Following Zubeen's death on September 19 in Singapore, the Assam government declared a three-day state mourning period from September 20 to 22. During this time, all official entertainment, public celebrations, and ceremonial events were suspended. While Zubeen's prediction of a seven-day closure did not come to pass, the state mourning and outpouring of grief demonstrated the deep impact he had on the people of Assam. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma even traveled to Delhi to receive Zubeen's body and accompany it to Guwahati.
In the same podcast, Zubeen also revealed an incident involving Bollywood director Rohit Shetty. According to Zubeen, Shetty had called him to sing a song for one of his films. However, Zubeen declined the offer, saying, "No, I didn't like it. I won't come". Zubeen recounted that Rohit Shetty was taken aback by his refusal, but Pritam, another music director, explained, "He is like this. He is a king. He lives like that. If you have work, come here to Assam. I will not go". This anecdote highlights Zubeen's independent spirit and his unwillingness to compromise his artistic integrity or leave his home state for work.
Zubeen's untimely death has prompted widespread grief and a probe into the circumstances surrounding it. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the death. The All Assam Lawyers' Association has even urged its members not to represent anyone accused in the case. Zubeen Garg was a highly influential figure in Assam, and his death is a significant loss to the state's cultural landscape.
