§  A Musical Legacy That Transcends Grief: The Unbreakable Bond Between Papon and Zubeen Garg

§  Papon reveals how Zubeen Garg composed music a day after his mother’s death

§  Discover the legendary Assamese musician’s extraordinary legacy and musical passion at Sahitya AajTak 2025. A tribute to India’s musical powerhouse

Guwahati, November 23, 2025: The Indian music industry continues to mourn the loss of Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s greatest musicians and a cultural icon who redefined regional music in India. However, at the prestigious Sahitya @AajTak 2025 event held on Day 2, legendary Bollywood singer Papon shared deeply personal memories of his late friend, illuminating the extraordinary passion and artistic dedication that made Zubeen Garg a musical powerhouse and an inspiration to countless artists worldwide.

Speaking with visible emotion, Papon opened up about his friendship with Zubeen, recalling how the singer began composing new music just one day after his mother’s death. This profound revelation showcases not only Zubeen’s legendary commitment to his craft but also the spiritual connection he maintained with music throughout his life—a dedication that transcended personal suffering and emotional pain.

How It All Began: The Story of an Unforgettable Friendship

When Papon was asked about what he misses most about Zubeen Garg, he responded with a collection of poignant stories. The most significant of these memories traces back to their very first meeting in a recording studio in Assam, when Papon was approximately 20 or 21 years old.

Papon, the son of legendary Assamese musician Khagen Mahanta—popularly known as the “Bihu Samrat”—had always felt the weight of carrying his parents’ artistic legacy. He explained, “My parents were big artists from Assam. Because of my father, I always felt a lot of pressure. People still see me as his son. It’s an honour but I want to create my own identity. I’ve had a different struggle.”

At that time, Papon was recording his debut album, which remained unreleased for years. However, the trajectory of his life changed dramatically when Zubeen Garg, who was already an established and respected musician in Assam, unexpectedly walked into the studio. “Zubeen was already popular at the time,” Papon recalled. “He suddenly walked into the studio, touched my father’s feet, met me and that’s where our friendship began.”

The moment was transformative. Garg’s humility and genuine respect for Papon’s father created an immediate connection. Rather than dismissing the young artist, Zubeen took genuine interest in Papon’s career, frequently asking why he wasn’t pursuing music more actively. This mentorship would become the foundation of their lifelong bond.

From Mentorship to Collaboration: The Birth of a Musical Brotherhood

After high school, Papon’s journey took several unexpected turns. He moved to Delhi to study architecture but that attempt proved unsuccessful. He then pursued English honours, which he also couldn’t complete. During these uncertain years, Zubeen Garg remained a steadfast presence, continuously encouraging him to pursue his true passion: music.

·       One day, Zubeen made an unexpected proposal: “Let’s do a song together.” He even joked with Papon, creating a lighthearted concept for their collaboration. “You be the good boy, I’ll be the bad boy. We’ll both love the same girl,” Zubeen suggested with characteristic humor. This casual, creative conversation transformed into an actual musical composition—their first collaborative song together. From that moment forward, the two artists became inseparable close friends, bonded by their shared artistic vision and mutual respect.

The Studio, the Keyboard and the Day That Changed Everything: Zubeen’s Devotion to Music

Perhaps the most striking memory that Papon shared reveals the depth of Zubeen Garg’s spiritual connection to music. Papon described a moment that left him profoundly moved and forever changed his understanding of artistic dedication

“Zubeen had just lost his mother. I went to his studio the next day, nervous and unsure how to face him. I sat beside him quietly. He was creating something on the keyboard. He handed me headphones and asked, ‘How does this sound.?’ I was shocked. I asked him what he was doing. He said, ‘Making a new song.’ His mother had passed away just a day earlier. But that’s how musicians are—the show must go on.”

This extraordinary moment exemplifies the legendary musician’s unwavering commitment to his art. While others might withdraw from their creative pursuits during times of grief, Zubeen channeled his emotions directly into his music. For him, composing and creating weren’t merely professional obligations—they were a form of spiritual expression, a way of processing grief, and a reflection of his core identity as an artist.

Finding Strength Through Music: Papon’s Own Journey and the Zubeen Legacy

Papon’s reflection on this memory took a deeply personal turn when he shared his own experience with loss. “My father’s death was the biggest shock of my life,” Papon revealed. “Fourteen days later, I had my first US tour. People asked whether I should go. Even I wondered how I could travel right after losing him. But then I asked myself—would my father want me to cancel.? He never would have.”

Despite the initial uncertainty and emotional turmoil, Papon made the decision to honor his father’s legacy by proceeding with his tour. This choice was directly inspired by Zubeen Garg’s example—the artist’s unshakeable belief that life, like music, must continue. Papon explained his philosophy, which mirrors Zubeen’s own artistic ethos: “Zubeen lived the same way. His whole life revolved around music. He sang and worked endlessly. That was his religion, and ours too. All we really know is how to live through music.”

Assam’s Greatest Gift to Indian Music: Kunal Ganjawala’s Powerful Tribute

In a striking remark that has resonated deeply across India’s music industry, renowned Bollywood playback singer Kunal Ganjawala recently declared that neither Bollywood nor Tollywood can match Zubeen Garg’s artistic brilliance and cultural influence. Speaking to media in Guwahati, Ganjawala, best known for his chart-topping hit “Bheege Honth Tere,” offered a powerful assessment of the late musician’s unparalleled contributions to Indian music.

“Zubeen’s range, creativity, and bond with his audience are extraordinary,” Ganjawala stated with conviction. “Bollywood and Tollywood together cannot match the impact he has created through his music.”

What makes Zubeen Garg truly exceptional is his rare versatility and commitment to regional artistry. Unlike many musicians who migrate to Bollywood’s glittering epicenter in Mumbai, Zubeen chose to remain rooted in Assam, working across multiple languages including Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Nepali and numerous others. His multilingual musical catalog demonstrates a remarkable artistic range that transcends regional boundaries while simultaneously celebrating his cultural roots.

Ganjawala further emphasized this point: “Zubeen is not just Assam’s pride; he is a musical powerhouse of India. He even left Mumbai to remain connected with the people of Assam. Bollywood and Tollywood simply can’t reach Zubeen Garg’s level.”

The Man Behind the Music: Zubeen Garg’s Unparalleled Impact

Zubeen Garg’s musical journey spans decades of extraordinary achievements. Beginning as a regional Assamese music icon, he achieved national recognition through his legendary Bollywood collaboration—the timeless hit “Ya Ali” from the 2006 film “Gangster,” which introduced his soulful voice to millions across India and made him a household name.

However, Zubeen’s artistic influence extended far beyond Bollywood success. He became known for his fearless artistry, his commitment to social causes (particularly environmental advocacy) and his refusal to compromise his artistic integrity for commercial success. In a striking characteristic that sets him apart from many contemporary musicians, Zubeen remained deeply connected to his people, using his platform to amplify marginalized voices and champion causes close to his heart.

·       Zubeen’s contribution to music includes

o   Multiple critically acclaimed albums in Assamese music

o   National and international recognitions for his contributions to Indian music

o   Groundbreaking collaborations with artists across multiple genres and languages

o   Film music compositions for Hindi and regional cinema

o   Philanthropic initiatives supporting various social causes

Understanding the Loss: Why Zubeen Garg’s Death Shook India’s Music Industry

Zubeen Garg tragically passed away in September 2025 following a scuba diving accident in Singapore, where he had traveled as a cultural brand ambassador for the North East India Festival. His sudden death at age 52 sent shockwaves through the Indian music industry and beyond, prompting tributes from musicians, celebrities and millions of devoted fans across the country.

The loss resonated particularly deeply because Zubeen represented something unique in Indian music: a voice for regional pride, environmental consciousness and artistic authenticity. Unlike many who sacrifice their roots for mainstream success, Zubeen Garg embodied the principle that regional artistry could achieve global recognition without compromising cultural identity.

Following his death, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a major development: Union Home Minister Amit Shah granted legal sanction under Section 208 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to proceed with investigations. On Zubeen Garg’s 53rd birth anniversary on November 18, 2025, organizations across Assam honored his memory through tree-planting initiatives, blood donation campaigns and cultural tributes, demonstrating the profound impact he had on millions of lives.

READ MORE: Bangladesh Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 10 - Children Among Victims as 5.7-Magnitude Quake Devastates Dhaka, Tremors Shake Kolkata

The Impact Analysis: How Zubeen Garg Redefined Regional Indian Music

Zubeen Garg’s legacy transcends his musical catalog. He fundamentally altered the landscape of Indian music by proving that regional artistry could be just as powerful, relevant and commercially successful as mainstream Bollywood productions. His decision to remain rooted in Assam while achieving national prominence challenged the established narrative that artists must migrate to major entertainment hubs to achieve recognition.

·       His impact includes

o   Cultural Renaissance: Zubeen pioneered a cultural revolution in Assamese music, bringing global attention to the region’s rich artistic traditions

o   Multilingual Artistry: By composing and performing across multiple languages (Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Nepali and others), he demonstrated the universal language of music that transcends geographical and linguistic boundaries

o   Environmental Advocacy: Zubeen used his platform to champion environmental causes, making him a voice for sustainability and social responsibility in an industry often disconnected from such concerns

o   Fearless Artistic Expression: Unlike many artists who tailor their work for commercial appeal, Zubeen maintained unwavering artistic integrity, creating music that reflected his authentic artistic vision

o   Generational Inspiration: Artists like Papon cite Zubeen as a direct influence on their own careers, particularly regarding the balance between personal tragedy and artistic commitment

Conclusion: The Show Must Go On—Zubeen Garg’s Timeless Message

The legacy of Zubeen Garg exists not merely in his recorded music but in the lives he touched and the artists he inspired. Through Papon’s emotional recollection at Sahitya @AajTak 2025, we gain profound insight into what made Zubeen Garg truly extraordinary: his unwavering belief that music transcends personal suffering, that art is a spiritual practice, and that dedication to one’s craft is the highest form of devotion.

·       Papon’s tribute crystallizes Zubeen’s philosophy: “All we really know is how to live through music.” This statement encapsulates the essence of a man who continued composing just hours after losing his mother, who chose to remain connected to his people despite opportunities for greater commercial success and who fundamentally reshaped the landscape of Indian regional music.

Zubeen Garg continues to be one of India’s most loved and respected musicians—an artist who represents brilliance, cultural pride and true creative freedom. As the music industry and millions of fans worldwide continue to honor his memory, his greatest legacy remains clear: the transformative power of art and the indomitable spirit of an artist committed to his craft above all else.

Call to Action (CTA)

Follow and share this tribute to Zubeen Garg on The Daily Hints to celebrate the life and legacy of one of India’s greatest musicians. Help us keep his memory alive and ensure that future generations understand the extraordinary contributions he made to Indian music and culture.

#ZubeenGarg #AssameseMusicIcon #PaponTribute #IndianMusicLegacy #MusicCommunity

Follow The Daily Hints on Social Media,

      §  Facebook

      §  Instagram

      §  Threads

      §  WhatsApp

      §  YouTube

      §  Twitter

      §  Email ID

From West Bengal District’s News to Kolkata News, Other States News to Whole India News, International News, Entertainment News to Sports News, Science News to Technology News and all other news updates, follow and Support our news portal @TheDailyHints.

-        END