• Sohana Ahamad Khan
• 19 Oct, 2025

§  Zubeen Garg’s 70% Charity Legend Lives On

§  Kolkata Celebrates Zubeen Garg’s Generosity

§  The Man Who Gave 70% of His Earnings to the Poor

§  How Zubeen Garg’s 70% Charity Spirit Touched Kolkata

§  How Park Street Kolkata Remembered Zubeen Garg’s Unmatched Philanthropy

Kolkata's Park Street pays emotional tribute to Zubeen Garg: In a poignant display of cross-cultural solidarity, fans and music lovers gathered at Kolkata’s iconic Park Street to pay tribute to the late Zubeen Garg, the beloved Assamese singer whose untimely death on September 19, 2025 left millions across India heartbroken. The evening event served as a powerful testament to how Garg’s musical genius and humanitarian spirit transcended regional boundaries, particularly through his chart-topping Bengali hit Mon Mane Na (The Heart Doesn’t Listen), which connected him deeply with West Bengal audiences.

The Park Street tribute, marked by banners and musical performances, highlighted not just Garg’s artistic contributions but unveiled the extraordinary charitable work that defined his character—a man who routinely donated 70% of his earnings to those in need and never turned away anyone seeking help.

The Kolkata Connection: Why Park Street Honored an Assamese Icon

Zubeen Garg’s influence in West Bengal was profound and enduring. From 2000 until approximately 2012-2013, he dominated the Bengali film industry as its most prominent playback singer, helping launch the careers of many Tollywood stars who credit their success to his music. His voice became synonymous with Bengali cinema’s golden era, creating an emotional bond with audiences that persisted long after other singers gained prominence.

The Park Street tribute represents more than geographical appreciation—it symbolizes cultural unity. As one Reddit user noted, “Zubeen Garg was childhood for every Assamese and he was also very popular in West Bengal”. During this year’s Durga Puja festivities in Siliguri, numerous pandals played his songs and similar tributes emerged in Madhyamgram Choumatha, demonstrating the widespread grief across Bengal.

The choice of Park Street—Kolkata’s cultural heartland—holds significance. This vibrant thoroughfare, known for its cosmopolitan character and artistic heritage, provided the perfect backdrop to honor a singer who embodied India’s diverse musical traditions while maintaining his unique Assamese identity.

Mon Mane Na: The Bengali Hit That United Hearts

Mon Mane Na (The Heart Doesn’t Listen) stands as Zubeen Garg’s most iconic Bengali contribution, a romantic melody that captured hearts across demographics. Released in 2017 as part of the motion picture soundtrack featuring actors Dev and Koel Mallick, the song showcased Garg’s versatility alongside fellow singer June Banerjee.

Composed by Jeet Gannguli with lyrics by Priyo Chattopadhyay, the 4-minute 42-second track became an instant classic. The song’s Bengali lyrics speak of love’s irresistible pull with the refrain emphasizing how “the fiery love cannot be extinguished once ignited”. Garg’s soulful rendition, combining his distinctive vocal texture with Bengali musical sensibilities, created magic that resonated deeply with listeners.

The Park Street tribute’s special focus on Mon Mane Na recognized not just its commercial success but its role in cementing Garg’s legacy in Bengali popular culture. The song accumulated over 8,400 plays on streaming platforms and continues to trend on social media as fans share their memories. Music videos featuring the track have garnered millions of views with fans commenting on how the song remains eternally fresh despite the passage of years.

The Man Behind the Music: Garima's Emotional Revelations

Perhaps the most heart-wrenching aspects of the Park Street tribute were the revelations shared by those closest to Zubeen Garg, particularly his wife Garima Saikia Garg. Her testimonials painted a portrait of a man whose generosity knew no bounds—a characteristic that defined him far more than his musical achievements.

“When Zubin received 100 rupees, he would give 70 of it to others,” Garima revealed, describing how her husband had “learned to give to people, forgetting to keep something for himself”. This wasn’t hyperbole—Garg genuinely donated an impressive 70% of his earnings to various charitable causes throughout his career, a commitment that reflected his profound belief in using success as a platform to uplift the less fortunate.

·       Garima shared poignant memories of financial conversations that revealed Zubeen’s philosophy: “Even if Zubin received 100 rupees, sometimes he would give the entire 100 rupees to poor people with a smile. But if I asked him about that money one day, then he would say — ‘I will borrow it, don’t worry.’”

One particularly touching exchange captured Garg’s worldview. When Garima expressed concern about their future—“If we get old or get sick, have to go to the hospital—If we don’t have money, we will be in trouble”—Zubeen’s response embodied his faith in humanity: “Garima, don’t worry. I have many rickshaw pullers, beggars and poor people with me. Even if no one else helps me in my time of need, these people will help me even if they give me a single rupee. And in your case, these people will be by your side in the same way. Even if they give me a single rupee, that will be a lot for me. Don’t worry, I am with you.”

·       Garg’s social philosophy was equally clear: “I don't like being with rich people. Many people like being with rich people but I like being with poor people. They work hard, they understand the value of life. Rich people only understand the value of money, not people.”

Voices from the Streets: Real Stories of Extraordinary Generosity

The true measure of Zubeen Garg’s character emerged through testimonials from rickshaw pullers, tea sellers and street vendors whose lives he touched. These weren’t staged interactions—they represented Gargs daily practice of radical generosity that operated far from media attention.

·       A rickshaw puller shared through tears: “If the fare was 10 taka, Zubin da would give us 500 taka, he never gave us less than that. Whenever we said something, he would ask, do you want more.? Sometimes, when he saw us on the side of the road while driving, he would stop the car, open the window and give us 500 taka.”

·       A tea seller (chawala) recounted similar experiences: "A cup of tea costs 5 taka but Zubin da would give us 500 taka or he would give us whatever money he had in hand, he would never look at how much he was giving—he would just give.”

·       A street hotel owner remembered: “The price of luchi is 20 taka but Zubin da would always give us 500 taka, never less. And he would say—if there is any danger, tell me, I will help, don’t worry, I am here. Once he came himself and gave me 3000, 5000, 6000—many times like that.”

·       Perhaps the most striking account came from a social worker: “Once Zubin da was returning home from Jorhat after a program. While returning, a man came to him on the road asking for help. He said that the man’s kidneys were bad and he would need 3 lakh rupees for medical treatment. At that time, Zubin Da had about 1.5-2 lakh rupees in his hand. Without thinking, he gave all the money in the blink of an eye and said—‘I have this much now, manage the rest, if not, tell the doctor my name, I will give it.’ The social worker's father was a witness to that incident.”

·       Musician Raja Barua provided insight into Garg’s spontaneous generosity: “When someone would come to Zubin Dar asking for help in the bundle of money he had in his hand—how many 100 rupees, how many 500 rupees or how many big notes were there—he would not look at anything, he would just give it to help.”

Institutional Philanthropy: The Kalaguru Artiste Foundation

Beyond individual acts of charity, Zubeen Garg established formal mechanisms to systematize his giving through the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, a charitable trust that mobilized funds and relief materials during floods and other crises in Assam. The foundation focused primarily on education, healthcare and disaster relief—areas where Garg witnessed the greatest need.

His contributions included funding scholarships for underprivileged students, supporting health camps in remote areas and providing aid during the devastating floods that frequently impact Assam. Following major flood events, Garg personally mobilized resources to help displaced and affected communities, demonstrating his dedication to humanitarian causes.

Remarkably, Garg dedicated his personal residence as a sanctuary for cancer patients, creating a compassionate environment where they could receive emotional and physical support. The home wasn't merely shelter—it provided essential facilities allowing patients to undergo treatments and recuperate in peace, offering medical care, counseling, nutritional support and social engagement opportunities.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospital beds ran out, he opened his two-story Guwahati home as a COVID Care Centre. Alongside his wife Garima, he adopted 15 underprivileged children, fighting legal battles to rescue abused kids and giving them not just shelter but love, education and dignity.

His activism extended to AIDS awareness, brain cancer research and mental health initiatives, performing at countless benefit concerts to raise funds and awareness. He stood at the forefront of the anti-CAA movement, uniting artists and the public in peaceful protest.

Musical Legacy: 49 Hindi Bollywood Hits That Defined a Generation

While Zubeen Garg’s philanthropy defined his character, his musical contributions secured his immortality. His Hindi film career encompassed 49 major Bollywood hits spanning three decades, showcasing his versatility across genres.

·       Iconic Chartbusters

                i.          Ya Ali (Gangster, 2006) - His most recognized Bollywood song

              ii.          Rama Re (Kaante, 2002) - Early breakthrough

            iii.          Dilruba (Namastey London, 2007) - Romantic hit

             iv.          Dil Tu Hi Bataa (Krrish 3, 2013) - Superhero film soundtrack

               v.          Jaane Kya (Pyaar Ke Side Effects, 2006) - Emotional melody

·       Career-Defining Songs

                i.          Socha Nahin Tha (Kaante, 2002)

              ii.          Jugnu Ki Payal (Aan: Men at Work, 2004)

            iii.          Teri Tamanna (The Train, 2007)

             iv.          Subah Subah (I See You, 2006)

               v.          Jaana Hai (Dum Maaro Dum, 2011)

             vi.          Zindagi Hosh Mein (Bas Ek Pal, 2006)

           vii.          Woh Bheege Pal (Manorama: Six Feet Under, 2007)

         viii.          Shola Shola (London Dreams, 2009)

             ix.          Yeh Kaisi Jagah (Hamari Adhuri Kahani, 2015)

               x.          Ab Mujhko Jeena (Aashayein, 2010)

·       Additional Notable Tracks

o   The list extends to include

                        i.           Marhaba (Garv, 2004)

                      ii.           Kya Raaz Hai (Raaz 3, 2012)

                    iii.           Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007)

                     iv.          Rabbi (Zindaggi Rocks, 2006)

                       v.          Dheere Dheere (multiple versions)

                     vi.          and Dozens more spanning romantic ballads, patriotic anthems and energetic dance numbers.

T-Series recently released a tribute mashup titled “Zubeen Garg: The Golden Voice,” remixed by Kedrock, honoring “the voice that became India's heartbeat—a legend whose melodies will echo forever”.

Betrayal and Investigation: The Dark Truth Behind His Death

The emotional tributes at Park Street were tinged with anger and demands for justice, as the circumstances surrounding Zubeen Garg’s death remain controversial. Initially reported as a tragic drowning accident during a sea outing in Singapore on September 19, 2025, suspicions soon surfaced alleging foul play.

Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assembled a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) which has arrested seven individuals including Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, event organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, his cousin and suspended police officer Sandipan Garg and two personal security officers.

The investigation broadened to include charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. One arrested individual, Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, accused Sharma and Mahanta of orchestrating the crime, claiming that during critical moments when Zubeen was gasping for breath, Sharma was heard shouting “let him go, let him go”.

Goswami alleged that Garg, an expert swimmer who had trained others, could not have drowned accidentally, suggesting he was poisoned and that the yacht was deliberately made to wobble dangerously. He claimed conspirators chose a foreign venue to conceal their plot.

·       However, on October 17, 2025, the Singapore Police Force issued a statement: “Based on preliminary investigations, the SPF does not suspect foul play”. They emphasized that investigations “may take up to another three months or so” and urged the public not to spread unverified information.

Chief Minister Sarma cautioned that Goswami might be deflecting blame, stating the viscera sample test would clarify matters. The toxicology report from Delhi’s Central Forensic Science Laboratory arrived in mid-October and is being analyzed.

The tragedy has sparked massive public outrage across Assam with protests erupting into violence outside Baksa Jail where the accused are held in judicial custody. The case has become politically sensitive with elections approaching, drawing accusations of politicization from both ruling and opposition parties.

Read More: Kali Puja Weather Alert: Rain in 4 Districts Today But Clear Skies for Festival Celebrations.!

Tragic Irony: Those He Helped Allegedly Betrayed Him

Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of this case is the alleged involvement of people Zubeen helped. “Zubin Da helped many of those who went to Singapore with him. Someone didn’t know how to sing, some didn’t even know what the ‘M’ in music was, someone didn’t even have a good voice. Still, Zubin Da took them around, gave them a chance to sing, introduced them to the people of Assam. But today, someone among those people is involved in Zubin Da’s death.!”

·       The tribute accounts emphasized: “Zubin Da helped people as much as he could. But today, someone took advantage of that help and drugged him to death.! For the sake of some money... If Zubin Da had been asked for that money, he would have given it with a smile.!”

Garima revealed that Zubeen was on medication and those around him were aware of his health condition, yet he was allegedly neglected. Musician Diganta Bharati disclosed that Zubeen suffered from epilepsy and should have been kept away from water.

Legacy That Transcends Music

The Park Street tribute underscored a fundamental truth: Zubeen Garg’s legacy extends far beyond his exceptional musical talent to embody a philanthropic spirit aimed at uplifting those in need. Throughout his career, he demonstrated profound commitment to social causes, particularly supporting marginalized communities.

His philosophy of giving wasn’t performative charity for publicity—it represented authentic compassion rooted in genuine connection with ordinary people. By prioritizing humanitarian endeavors, Garg cultivated a legacy intertwining artistry with altruism, setting a powerful example for the entertainment industry.

The generosity exhibited by Zubeen Garg resonates deeply within hearts of fans and beyond, inspiring a new generation to take action in their communities. His initiatives promote a culture of giving, reminding society of the importance of empathy and support.

·       As journalist Manorom Gogoi observed: “Zubeen was unlike any other celebrity; he was a vocal advocate for social issues and was regarded as a king among the common people”.

·       Author Utpal Borpujari added: “There are countless stories of how he helped those who needed medical treatment and children at orphanages”.

Kolkata’s Message: Unity Through Grief

The Park Street tribute represents more than regional mourning—it signifies national solidarity. That West Bengal, a state with distinct cultural identity, so prominently honored an Assamese icon speaks to Garg’s unique ability to transcend boundaries through both his music and his humanity.

The banners, musical performances and emotional gatherings across Kolkata during October 2025 sent a clear message: Zubeen Garg belonged not to any single state or community but to all of India. His songs provided the soundtrack to millions of lives, while his charity work demonstrated what true success means—not accumulation of wealth but distribution of compassion.

As calls for justice continue and investigations proceed, one truth remains undisputed: Zubeen Garg lived according to principles he articulated to his wife—trusting that the poor people he helped would stand by him when needed. The outpouring of grief, the testimonials from rickshaw pullers and tea sellers and the tributes from Kolkata to Guwahati prove he was right.

His voice may have been silenced but his melody of generosity plays on in the hearts of those he touched. The Park Street tribute wasn’t an ending—it was a beginning, a commitment to keep alive the values Zubeen Garg embodied: compassion without calculation, generosity without expectation, and love without boundaries.

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