Miss you Zubeen Da

Zubeen Garg the people’s hero

One day in 2006, I called Zubeen Garg in Mumbai and requested him for an interview for North East Sun magazine, New Delhi. This was just after “Ya Ali”.  I was the Mumbai correspondent then. He instantly said, “Ghorot ahi jua” (Come home). I didn’t expect I would get the appointment so easily. But that was Zubeen da. His doors were always open for the people of Assam. We reached his Andheri home that evening. A big fan of Zubeen da, my husband also accompanied me (who’s now telling me endless stories about Zubeen da’s family’s Jorhat, B Barooah and Dispur days). Garima Bou welcomed us, and chatted with us for some time. After some time, Zubeen da came downstairs looking dead tired, as he was recording the whole night. But still he made an effort to keep his words. The first thing he asked, “Cha khala?” (Had tea?) Such a warm personality, “ekdom apun jonor nisina.”  

The interview went well. “Aru kiba thakile e-mail kori diba (if you have anything else to ask, e-mail me),” he said finally. Extra photographs were mailed to me later. I doubt how many celebrities would make so much effort.

I met him only once but I remember each and every moment of that evening.

When I initially heard about the incident in Singapore, I thought he would be fine. But after some time the unfortunate news came, and like everyone in Assam I was numb.

In Delhi, I was hooked to Assamese news channels as I didn’t want to miss any small piece of news about him.

Then the hero landed home. And the emotions started flowing amidst the sea of people. It was obvious. If only one meeting could leave such an impression in my mind, I am sure each person who went to see Zubeen da physically would have a Zubeen story to narrate one last time. Everyone is humming “Mayabini” in Assam today. Isn’t it a real tribute to a person of Zubeen da’s stature?  #ZubeenGarg — the musician, singer, composer, songwriter, instrumentalist, actor, director, filmmaker, poet, philanthropist, activist… and above all a human-being with a golden heart.

A visionary’s life cut short too soon, may be God wanted him more than us. Miss you Zubeen da, hope to meet you in another life. #JusticeForZubeen #ZubeenGarg #ZubeenDa #Zubeen