Renowned visual artist Santanu Hazarika has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late musician Zubeen Garg through a striking new artwork. Both Santanu and Zubeen Da hail from Assam, which made their bond over art and music even deeper. The piece has struck a chord with fans across the country. Santanu described Zubeen Da as more than just a singer who performed over 38,000 songs in 40 languages. He called him “the face, heart and soul of Assam, ” a simple boy with a bicycle and a keyboard who went on to become a godlike figure for an entire community. “He was an emotion, a true rebel who lived for his craft and his people. Long live Zubeen Da, you were everyone’s best friend. The last of the true rock stars,” Santanu said.
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Looking back on Zubeen Garg’s cultural legacy, Santanu added, “Zubeen Da was an icon for every young boy growing up in Assam. My artwork tries to capture his calm yet powerful presence. In almost every home here you’ll find a Zubeen Da poster, and his songs still echo through our streets.” He recalled memories of the singer chatting at local chai tapris, always just a phone call away for neighbours, and bringing the entire Northeast together through his concerts. “Zubeen Da was the kindest rebel,” Santanu said, summing up a man whose life and music crossed boundaries and touched countless hearts.
