Zubeen Garg, But for Us – Goldie Da 💔
Zubeen Garg — for the world, he was a versatile playback singer and one of Assam’s greatest music legends. But for us, he was always Goldie Da — a friend, a brother, a guide, and someone who became part of our lives in ways words can hardly capture.
From the soulful Mayabini to the Bollywood blockbuster Ya Ali, his songs touched millions. Yet, his greatness wasn’t just in his voice; it was in his simplicity, his warmth, and his undying love for the people of Assam.
A Personal Memory with Goldie Da 🌸
I still remember it as if it happened yesterday. Back in 1991, when I went to J.B. College, Jorhat to take admission in Higher Secondary First Year, I met Goldie Da for the very first time. I was with my friend Mitali, when he suddenly asked her, “Who is she? Doesn’t she look like Maina (Jonkie)?” That was the beginning of a beautiful bond.
During the fresher’s function at the college, it got very late at night. Goldie Da, with his friends, made sure we girls reached home safely. He dropped me, Mitali, Jennifer, and the others at our houses. From then on, he and Jonkie started visiting our home often.
It was actually Goldie Da who first introduced me to Jonkie. He once said, “Come, meet her — she looks like you.” That’s how Jonkie and I became friends, and together with Mitali, we often visited Goldie Da’s house.
At that time, my father had already left us, and we were three sisters living with our mother, who was unwell and unable to walk. Out of sympathy and genuine care, Goldie Da became even closer to us. He lovingly called my mother “Maa”, as if she was his own. That one word said everything about his heart.
I still smile when I recall a funny incident. A nearby aunty once asked me, “Who is that beautiful girl visiting your home with such long, beautiful hair?” She had no idea it was Zubeen Da himself! With his long hair flowing, a guitar slung across his back, and riding a cycle, he was already a star in our lives before the world knew his name.
The Warmth of His Home
Visiting Goldie Da’s home was always a joy. His younger sister was still small, everyone seemed busy, and his mother was always at the center of it all. She cooked food in big utensils and would say, “I’ve prepared food for all of you, eat well — but wash your own plates after eating.”
Their house was always alive — full of boys and girls, some making music, some practicing plays, others singing or dancing. The smell of dhup-dhuna filled the air, mixing with creativity and laughter. That was Goldie Da’s world — simple, artistic, and full of love.
I also remember the day he bought his first music system. Excitedly, he called everyone, saying, “Eta beleg bostu anisu, sabo ahibi!” (I’ve brought something new, come and see!). Another time, he came with his father, Papu, to our house. He told his father about us, saying, “Look at them… their father has left, and their mother is not well.” He always carried that empathy in his heart.
Bihu, Pitha, and Pure Love
Bihu was always special with Goldie Da around. My sister Munu would make fresh pitha on the stove, and he would sit happily, eating one after another. He loved them so much that we used to laugh, watching him enjoy every bite like a child.
Even after achieving fame, Goldie Da never forgot us. After receiving his award for Ya Ali, he came to our house around 2 a.m. with Garima Bou. Since the gate was locked, he climbed over it and knocked on the door. At first, we were scared, but then he laughed and said, “Hey, don’t worry, it’s me, Goldie!” He sat beside my mother, spoke to her with so much warmth, and made her feel loved.
He also shared a beautiful bond with my younger sister, Akkila. While she stayed in a hostel in Guwahati, Goldie Da often visited her, took her out to eat at restaurants, and dropped her safely back. It was his way of being a protective brother.
More Than a Singer – A Symbol of Assam
Zubeen Garg wasn’t just a singer. He was the pride of Assam, the voice that connected us all. While the world knew him for his Bollywood songs, we cherished him for the way he stood for Assamese culture, language, and people.
He wasn’t just an artist; he was family. He was Goldie Da.
Forever in Our Hearts
Today, when we remember Zubeen Garg, we don’t just think of a singer. We remember our Goldie Da — the brother who called my mother “Maa”, who ate endless pithas at our home, who never forgot his roots even after fame.
His journey may have ended, but his love, his music, and his memories will live forever in our hearts.
Rest in peace, Goldie Da. Assam will never forget you.
