Musician who united a divided state

With singer Zubeen Garg's passing, fans across ideologies in Assam are grieving the loss of a voice synced with their hopes and anxieties

- RANJITA GANESAN

In decades fractured by separatist militancy, armed counterinsurgency, and human rights violations, Garg's songs echoed the political vexations, cultural pride, and emotional tumult that large sections of the population were feeling

Singer Zubeen Garg's hold over the public consciousness in Assam was so profound, even adversaries sought peace with him.

For three decades, he was the voice of spring in the state: Garg's Bihu albums were the soundtrack in households, and listeners thronged his shows throughout the festive month of April. At these events, together with his many Assamese songs, the singercomposer would break into Hindi and English hits when he pleased. This often earned the ire of separatist and traditionalist groups, but their diktats could dent neither the artiste's maverick spirit nor his popular acclaim.

"He would get threatening calls but those callers were also his fans," remembers guitarist Atonu Gautam, a second cousin who grew up with Garg. Their warnings, he says, would quickly turn into affectionate negotiations. "Gali bhi dete the, pyaar bhi dete the (They abused him, they also gave him love)."

Fondly known as 'Zubeen da', Garg was impossible to slot and invariably treasured. Though his repertoire was fluent, reportedly encompassing 38,000 songs in 40 languages, he remained rooted in Assam for most of his 33-year career.