On the late singer’s birthday, Rolling Stone India spotlights some of his most prolific songs to date
Artwork by Shradha Raul
Words fall short while trying to sum up late singer Zubeen Garg’s lasting impact. Born to poet Mohini Mohon Borthakur and musician Ily Borthakur, Garg — whose real name was Jibon Borthakhur — learnt the language of music at an early age, eventually going on to master the tabla. From the very beginning, Garg’s discography, be it through his debut album Anamika, or Bollywood sensations like “Ya Ali,” became a nationwide source of solace for listeners. Famously revered as the voice of the Brahmaputra, or Luit Kontho, the late artist was a multi-hyphenate who worked not just as a multi-instrumental composer, vocalist, and lyricist, but also as a filmmaker and actor in Hindi, Bengali, and Assamese-language films.
But the reason behind his cult status wasn’t simply because of his onstage stardom. A fearless activist, Garg leveraged his platform countlessly to raise awareness about socio-political and cultural issues. His unwavering vocalization also extended to philanthropy, such as the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation that aided victims of natural disasters and supported social issues in Assam. A musical beacon for the people of his homeland, the late singer seamlessly amalgamated folk melodies and elements with rock, pop, and classical influences, bringing diverse, inclusive voices from the Northeast to the mainstream.
With 38,000 songs in over 40 dialects to his name, Zubeen Da’s legacy continues to live on through the people of Assam and beyond. For some, a brash rebel, for others, a sonic visionary, but for most, an artist in its truest form. On his birthday, Rolling Stone India spotlights some of his most hard-hitting songs that echo his legacy.
Zubeen Garg: “Maya”
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