“When I die, Assam should sing this song.” These poignant words by the legendary singer Zubeen Garg have taken on a deeply emotional resonance in the wake of his untimely passing.
The song in question, Mayabini, has become an anthem of remembrance, echoing across Assam as fans honor the life and artistry of a man whose voice defined a generation.
Originally released in 2001 as part of the Assamese film Daag, directed by Munin Barua, Mayabini has experienced a resurgence in popularity, its haunting melody and evocative lyrics striking a chord with listeners mourning the loss of their musical icon.
But the story behind this iconic song is as captivating as the song itself—and it rarely saw the light of day.
According to Maanash Barua, popularly known as Rijjoo, Munin Barua’s son and an assistant director on Daag, the creation of Mayabini was far from conventional.
“My father meticulously explained the sequence of the film to Zubeen—the mood, the situation, the actor’s reactions.
For several days, Zubeen and some of us discussed it during sessions at DG Music Studio. But he didn’t write the lyrics immediately,” Rijjoo recalled.
Known for his brilliance and spontaneity, Zubeen required complete creative freedom.
“You couldn’t pressure him. You had to give him time and allow him to be free. My father understood that. Only when he was in the right mood could he produce magic,” Rijjoo added.
During one such session, inspired by the film’s unique storyline—which departed from conventional Assamese cinema and called for abstract, nuanced lyrics—Zubeen spontaneously hummed a few lines.
Rijjoo, eager to capture the moment, scribbled the words on a small scrap of foil paper. However, a nearly disastrous oversight followed: Rijjoo accidentally left the scrap in his trouser pocket, which went to the laundry the next day.
The team had almost forgotten the incident until weeks later, while in Mumbai for production work, when Zubeen asked for the lyrics. “I tried to dodge the question at first. When I finally admitted the truth, he was furious,” Rijjoo confessed.
Yet, from this lost moment, Zubeen found renewed inspiration. Roughly three weeks later, he presented a fresh set of lyrics—though it remains unclear whether these were the same as the original or entirely new.
“The rest, as they say, is history,” Rijjoo reflected.
When asked if they had anticipated Mayabini would become a cultural phenomenon, Rijjoo admitted, “No, you never know during the creation phase of a film or song. But we did feel it was different—something abstract, emotionally resonant, and fitting perfectly with the film’s narrative.”
Zubeen’s musical ingenuity further set the song apart. “He introduced instruments like the English flute and piano into the composition, which were uncommon in Assamese music at the time. This gave the song a unique and haunting soundscape,” Rijjoo explained.
Mayabini explores the longing of a soul seeking connection in a fleeting world, the yearning for a beloved, and the ache of separation. It has since become one of Zubeen Garg’s most celebrated works, a piece he himself regarded as his finest creation.
Today, as Assam continues to grieve the loss of its musical legend, the state collectively sings Mayabini, fulfilling Zubeen’s wish that this haunting melody accompany him even in his final farewell. The song remains a timeless testament to his genius, a bridge between memory, emotion, and the soul of Assamese music.
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