Kolkata: The Assamese film “Roi Roi Biennale,” starring Zubeen Garg, was released on October 31st. He had wanted the film to be released on that date. The film was released as per his wishes. Enthusiastic audiences thronged theaters in Kolkata to watch Zubeen’s film.
“Roi Roi Biennale” is a full-length film set in post-war Assam. The story is set against the backdrop of music. It tells the story of a group of artists’ search for love, identity, and the purpose of art in a changing society. The film is co-directed by Rajesh Bhuyan and Zubeen Garg. Garg and Rahul Gautam Sharma have written the screenplay.
“Roi Roi Biennale” Release
Zubeen himself also stars alongside Victor Banerjee and Rahul Gautam Sharma. Garg plays a visually impaired artist in the film. Zubeen also composed the music for the film. Before his passing, only the film’s background music remained. His team ensured that the film’s shooting was completed and “Roi Roi Biennale” was released in theaters on the scheduled date, October 31st. The film features 11 songs.
The excitement surrounding the film in Kolkata was no less. Many Assamese-speaking people from Kolkata thronged the multiplex. Along with the Bengali audience, they also took on the responsibility of enthralling the audience. Their feelings and condolences for Zubeen were endless. The three Assamese-speaking friends couldn’t hold back their tears while speaking.
‘Zubin taught us a lot’
He said, “His death is unacceptable. He had many hopes in his life. We want his friends to fulfill them. Zubin taught us a lot. We are learning even more after his passing. We have a spiritual connection with him. He worked for the people without publicity. No political leader can do that. Zubin was a man with a great spirit. The tragedy of our country is that no one appreciated him while he was alive. He returned from Mumbai because he could not become like a Bombayite. However, Zubin is more talented than many people. Now his talent is becoming even more prominent.”
Zubeen sang many Bengali songs.
A viewer said, “Despite being a son of Assam, Zubeen sang many Bengali songs. He called himself half Bengali. Zubeen helped many poor people, but he never told anyone about his donations. I can’t imagine such a person could die like this.”
A Bengali man is a big fan of Zubeen’s Assamese songs. In his words, “I like the tunes of Zubeen’s songs in Assamese more than the tunes in any other language. I don’t understand everything. I listen to them for the tune.”
ETV Bharat spoke with musician Samhati Das, who sang with Zubeen. She said, “My interactions with Zubeen are very cinematic. It’s been ten years. I have done shows with Zubeen in Bengal and Kolkata for ten years. He is my God. He worked on this film with a dream. He played the role of a blind artist. I even saw him falling on stage to get into the character. He was so dedicated. We will watch the film and I can’t imagine Zubeen not being there.”
