My musical journey across genres continues every day, but today the melody carries a quieter note. Life after Zubeen Da, a man far more than a pop star to Assam, feels different and many of us are still learning to navigate that silence. His songs lived in weddings, protests, Bihu nights, heartbreaks and moments of healing, even in the familiar crackle of an old family radio. His passing has touched people of all ages: children sensing the change, teenagers sharing memories online, adults revisiting the comfort his music once brought, and elders mourning a cultural anchor.
A Cultural Wave That Continues Zubeen Da’s passing abroad triggered a landslide of emotion at home: thousands on the streets, candlelit vigils, playlists on loop and heartfelt tributes. For many, his music wasn’t just something to listen to; it was something to live with. Losing him feels like losing a part of ourselves. The release of Roi Roi Binale, his final movie, on October 31 added another layer of emotion. The film broke box office records, with pre-dawn screenings from 4:25 am in Guwahati. Theatres became spaces of reflection and mourning, where audiences, family, friends and colleagues watched him alive, expressive and effortless on screen.
Grief and celebration intertwined as people wept, laughed and at times shouted “Joi Zubeen Da!”, a tribute to the joy and talent he shared with generations. I have yet to watch it myself; it seems it will take courage, knowing how my loved ones and colleagues have flocked to theatres every day since its release. Tributes and Blood-Donation Drive Preparations for what would have been his 53rd birthday on November 18 have further united Assam. The Chief Minister, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced a large-scale blood-donation drive, with camps at 53 locations across the state to symbolise Zubeen Garg’s age.
Members of the BJP, AGP, BPF and UPPL will participate, alongside ministers joining in their districts. These initiatives, along with tribute programmes and memorial events, aspire to celebrate his life while bringing communities together. From Sorrow to Alarm: Mental-Health Concerns Since Zubeen Da’s passing, worrying patterns have emerged: extreme reactions among devoted fans, at least one attempted suicide, rumours and a fake post-mortem report circulating widely, which was immediately fact-checked by Assam Police and nonstop news cycles reopening emotional wounds.
Experts warn that sudden loss can trigger anxiety, depressive symptoms, panic attacks, insomnia and unhealthy grief. Children, teens and adults are vulnerable: children sense tension without fully understanding it; teens and young adults, tied emotionally to icons, are overwhelmed by heavy online mourning; adults and older listeners relive personal losses Zubeen Da’s music once soothed. Those already struggling with mental-health vulnerabilities are at particular risk. Schools, colleges, local authorities and community groups are encouraged to provide safe spaces, structured gatherings and music-sharing circles. Families are urged to watch for signs of distress and seek professional help if needed.
A Promise from the State. In the aftermath, the Chief Minister announced measures balancing tribute and accountability. Assam observed three days of mourning and Zubeen Da’s mortal remains were placed at Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex for public homage. A second autopsy was ordered, a Special Investigation Team formed and a judicial commission set up. The Government declared a holiday in Kamrup (Metro) and blacklisted the festival organiser linked to events preceding his final days. A permanent memorial, Zubeen Kshetra, is being developed on a 10-bigha plot in Sonapur with guidance from his family and cultural representatives.
The state has pledged its GST share from Roi RoiBinale to the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation to help flood victims, support medical treatment of artistes and assist needy students. Through tribute, transparency, and community care, Assam honours Zubeen Da while supporting healing, ensuring his legacy inspires generations to come. The music may have paused, but Assam’s collective responsibility to care, remember and celebrate the life of a cultural icon has only just begun.