What Is The Story Behind The Making Of Zubeen Garg’s Song “mayabini,” And How Did He Create This Timeless Assamese Classic?

The creation of Mayabini is as magical as the song itself — a tale that began with a late-night request, a simple piece of foil paper, and an unfortunate laundry mishap that almost erased one of Assam’s greatest musical treasures.

The Film Behind the Song – Daag (2001)

The song “Mayabini” was created for the 2001 Assamese film “Daag”, directed by Munin Barua, one of Assam’s most respected filmmakers. The film required a romantic yet haunting song — something that captured the feeling of love wrapped in illusion, and no one could express that better than Zubeen Garg.

It was Manas Barua, the assistant director and son of Munin Barua, who persuaded Zubeen to write the song late one night. Under gentle pressure and cinematic necessity, Zubeen took his pen — and magic began to flow.

The Writing of “Mayabini” — A Song Born at Midnight

That night, Zubeen Garg wrote the first draft of “Mayabini” on the spot. There was no proper paper available, so Manas scribbled the lyrics on a small piece of foil paper — a makeshift canvas for what would become an immortal song.

The opening line, “Mayabini ratir bukut, dekha palu tumar sobi…” (“In the heart of the magical night, I saw your image…”), set the tone for the entire piece — poetic, mysterious, and deeply emotional.

The Great Accident — Lost in a Washing Machine

A few days later, disaster struck. The foil paper with the original lyrics was accidentally left in Manas’s trouser pocket, which went into the washing machine. When he realized what had happened, it was too late — the precious lyrics were gone forever.

When Zubeen asked for the lyrics again, Manas had to confess the truth. What could have been the end of the song instead became the beginning of a creative miracle.

Recreating “Mayabini” — From Memory and Magic

With only the first line remembered — “Mayabini ratir bukut, dekha palu tumar sobi…” — Zubeen Garg sat down to reconstruct the entire song from memory.

Relying solely on inspiration and emotional intuition, he rewrote the lyrics, reshaped the melody, and revived the magic that fate had tried to wash away.

The result? A song so soulful and timeless that it outlived its own loss — a rebirth through memory.

Composition and Musical Style

Zubeen Garg not only wrote but also composed and performed “Mayabini.”
The song blends elements of soft rock and Assamese romantic folk, creating a soothing yet melancholic atmosphere.

Lyricist Diganta Bharati once described it as a song that “connects directly with the heart,” praising Zubeen’s ability to make longing sound like poetry.

The composition uses minimal instrumentation, allowing Zubeen’s voice and emotion to carry the full weight of the song’s story.

The Meaning of “Mayabini” — Love, Illusion, and Destiny

The word “Mayabini” itself means “illusionary” or “enchanting woman.” In the song, Zubeen expresses the beauty and pain of love — an emotion that feels real yet slips away like a dream.

The lyrics evoke themes of:

• Love and longing: A yearning for someone who feels close yet distant.

• Illusion and reality: The thin line between dreams and truth.

• Fate and memory: How art and emotion survive even when everything else fades.

In essence, “Mayabini” reflects the mystery of human connection — something both beautiful and fleeting, much like life itself.

Zubeen Garg’s Emotional Connection to the Song

For Zubeen Garg, “Mayabini” wasn’t just another track — it was deeply personal. He once said that the song had a mystical connection with his destiny.

Following his tragic death in 2025, Mayabini became the anthem of mourning across Assam. Radio stations and fans played it continuously, almost fulfilling Zubeen’s own premonition that Mayabini would echo through the air long after he was gone.

The song, which began as a tale of loss, ultimately became a symbol of remembrance.

Legacy of “Mayabini” — A Song That Time Couldn’t Wash Away

Over two decades since its creation, “Mayabini” remains one of Assam’s most iconic songs. It’s performed, covered, and cherished by generations — from music students to stage performers.

Despite the original lyrics being lost, the recreated version became even more powerful — proof that true art never dies, even when circumstances try to erase it.

The story of Mayabini continues to inspire young artists, reminding them that creativity can rise from chaos — and sometimes, even from the spin of a washing machine.

Conclusion: The Magic Behind “Mayabini”

The making of “Mayabini” is a rare example of how art, accident, and destiny intertwine to create something immortal.

Zubeen Garg’s genius turned a moment of loss into an everlasting melody. From the midnight scribbles on a foil paper to a song that defined Assamese romantic music, Mayabini stands as a tribute to his artistry, resilience, and soul.

Today, when “Mayabini ratir bukut…” plays, it isn’t just a song — it’s Zubeen Garg’s voice echoing through eternity.