'Mumbai's attitude...': Why Zubeen Garg moved away from Bollywood
What's the story
Assamese singer-actor Zubeen Garg, who died on Friday in Singapore, had once refused to work in Bollywood due to the "attitude" of the industry. In an interview with POP Pavelopedia earlier this year, he had said that he would prefer working from Assam if that were the case. "Mumbai has more attitude, and to get rid of that, I asked them to come here."
Career shift
Why he stopped working in Bollywood?
Garg, who rose to national fame with the song Ya Ali from the 2006 film Gangster, had worked in Mumbai during the early years of his career. He had sung songs like Dilruba from Namastey London and Dil Tu Hi Bata from Krrish 3. However, he soon returned to Assam and sang very few songs in Bollywood. "I will die here [in Assam] like a king. I still have a home in Mumbai, but I don't like the chaos."
Personal struggles
His infamous ULFA threat
Garg also spoke about his struggles with the militant group United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). He revealed, "They told me, 'You can't sing Hindi or Bengali songs.'" "I replied, 'Who the hell are you? I don't care.' Then they threatened to shoot me. I said, 'Okay, you shoot me, and I'll shoot you.'" "Now, they say I am like their brother. I live like a mafia here."
Personal philosophy
'I don't have an attitude, it's self-respect'
Despite the threats, Garg remained unyielding. His fearless attitude earned him respect but also brought trouble. When asked if this attitude had been a burden, he clarified, "I don't have an attitude, it's self-respect. I live here like a king." "I always say, 'A king should never leave his kingdom because when the king leaves he is no more.'"
Tragic end
How did Garg die?
Garg passed away at the age of 52 in Singapore on Friday. He had traveled there as the Cultural Brand Ambassador for the North East India Festival, organized by the High Commission of India. He was reportedly found unresponsive, floating in the sea without a life jacket. His last rites will be held in Assam.