“A Generation Lived On His Emotions”: Sunita Bhuyan Pays Tribute To Zubeen Garg

Assam is in shock as news broke on Friday of the sudden passing of Zubeen Garg, the superstar who united the state through his music and charisma. Tearful fans gathered outside his home in Kahilipara, Guwahati, paying tribute to the man affectionately known as Zubeen da.

Born in Meghalaya’s Tura in 1972, Garg rose to become Assam’s most influential cultural figure over a career spanning three decades. A singer, songwriter, actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist, he was celebrated not just for his voice but for his unwavering connection to his roots.

Zubeen’s musical journey began in 1992 with the album Anamika, capturing the hearts of Assam’s youth with hits ranging from the upbeat Maya to the hauntingly melancholic Mayabini Ratir Bukut. His signature style earned him the title of “Assam’s heartthrob.” Over his career, he recorded thousands of songs in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and several other languages including Bodo, Nepali, Tiwa, Karbi, Bhojpuri, and Tamil. Nationally, he gained recognition with the 2006 Bollywood hit Ya Ali from Gangster, yet he remained devoted to Assam, refusing to relocate to Mumbai permanently.

Violinist  Sunita Bhuyan remembered him, saying, “Zubeen was more than a singer. A generation lived on his emotions. He was a philanthropist, social worker, and lover of nature and animals. Those calling him just another Bollywood singer are mistaken. He was a true son of Assam.”

Zubeen’s last public performance was in Mumbai on 7th September for the event 'Ganga Behti Ho Kyun', commemorating the centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. He deferred his own film release to honor his commitment to the show, a testament to his integrity and passion for music.

Globally, the news of his passing has been covered by major outlets, including The New York Times and BBC. Assam has announced three days of state mourning, with lakhs of fans mourning a cultural icon whose influence spanned music, society, and economy. With over 40,000 songs to his credit, Zubeen Garg leaves behind a legacy that will echo for generations.

A cruel twist of fate has taken a legend too soon, but Zubeen da’s voice and spirit will remain immortal in the hearts of millions.