General Knowledge of Assam - Complete Guide
Why Did Zubeen Garg Leave Bollywood And Refuse To Work In Mumbai?
Zubeen Garg, one of India’s most versatile singers and actors, known for the chartbuster “Ya Ali” from Gangster (2006), surprised many fans when he distanced himself from Bollywood despite achieving nationwide fame.
His decision wasn’t about failure or opportunity — it was about values, peace of mind, and love for his homeland, Assam.
Why Did Zubeen Garg Leave Bollywood and Refuse to Work in Mumbai?
In several interviews, including one with POP Pavelopedia and statements quoted by The Indian Express, Zubeen Garg openly shared his reasons for refusing to work in Mumbai’s Bollywood industry.
1. Dislike for Bollywood’s “Attitude”
According to Zubeen Garg, one of the main reasons he chose to step away from Bollywood was the “attitude” he encountered in Mumbai’s film industry.
He once said,
“Mumbai has more attitude, and to get rid of that, I asked them to come here. I will die here (in Assam) like a king.”
This quote reflects his discomfort with the ego, hierarchy, and showmanship that often define the Bollywood environment.
For Zubeen, music and art are expressions of sincerity — not a platform for showbiz politics or power games.
2. Dislike for the “Chaos” of Mumbai
Zubeen Garg has often spoken about his dislike for the fast-paced and chaotic life of Mumbai.
Even though he owns a home there, he has made it clear that he finds the city overwhelming.
In his words,
“I still have a home in Mumbai, but I don’t like the chaos. It’s just too much.”
Unlike many artists who chase fame in India’s entertainment capital, Zubeen chose peace, culture, and simplicity over the urban hustle.
He found the quiet life of Assam more conducive to creativity and emotional balance.
3. Deep Connection to Assam and Regional Identity
For Zubeen Garg, Assam is not just a birthplace — it’s his identity.
He repeatedly expressed pride in being Assamese and made it clear that his heart lies in promoting the regional art and cinema of Assam rather than chasing stardom in Bollywood.
“I asked them to come to Assam if they want to work with me,” Zubeen once said.
This statement highlights his strong stance for regional recognition. He wanted the Hindi film industry to respect artists from smaller states rather than expecting them to conform to Bollywood’s system.
4. Courage to Stand Against Pressure
Zubeen Garg’s life was marked by fearlessness — both artistically and politically.
At a time when the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) imposed restrictions on artists, he refused to bow down.
He boldly declared,
“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.’”
This courage to stand for freedom of expression also reflects why he was unwilling to be controlled by the restrictive, commercialized structure of Bollywood.
5. Preference for Creative Freedom Over Fame
Zubeen Garg’s art has always been deeply emotional and personal.
In Assam, he could write, compose, sing, act, and direct — all on his own terms.
Bollywood, in contrast, often restricts artists to predefined roles.
Zubeen found that system limiting and superficial compared to the creative freedom he enjoyed back home.
In Assam, he could make meaningful films like Mission China, Kanchanjangha, and Rodor Sithi, which expressed real emotions and Assamese identity.
6. His Statement to Bollywood: “Come to Assam if You Want Me”
Perhaps the most defining line of his attitude towards Bollywood was this:
“If they want to work with me, they should come to Assam.”
This wasn’t arrogance — it was self-respect.
Zubeen wanted recognition for Assamese culture and for the Hindi film industry to treat regional talent with equal dignity.
He refused to migrate to Mumbai simply to fit into an industry he didn’t relate to spiritually.
7. “I Will Die in Assam Like a King” — His Eternal Love for Home
Zubeen Garg’s heartfelt words,
“I will die here (in Assam) like a king,”capture the essence of his life philosophy — success is not about geography, it’s about peace and pride.
He believed that true art comes from the heart, not from being part of a glamorous industry.
By staying rooted in Assam, he inspired generations of artists to believe that they could achieve greatness without leaving their home state.
Summary: Zubeen Garg’s Reasons for Leaving Bollywood
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Dislike for Bollywood’s attitude | Found the film industry ego-driven and superficial |
| Dislike for Mumbai’s chaos | Preferred the peace of Assam over the noisy life of Mumbai |
| Strong regional identity | Wanted to promote Assamese art and cinema |
| Creative independence | Valued artistic freedom over commercial fame |
| Defiance and courage | Never bowed to pressure, whether political or industrial |
| Love for homeland | Declared he would live and die in Assam |
8. Zubeen Garg’s Legacy Beyond Bollywood
Even after stepping away from Bollywood, Zubeen Garg’s influence on Indian music remains legendary.
His voice in Ya Ali, Dil Tu Hi Bataa, and numerous Assamese classics continues to inspire millions.
He proved that one doesn’t need Bollywood to become a national icon — all it takes is talent, integrity, and a love for one’s roots.
Zubeen’s story is not of rejection, but of redefinition — he redefined what it means to be a successful artist from Northeast India.
FAQ Section
Q1: Why did Zubeen Garg leave Bollywood?
A1: Zubeen Garg left Bollywood because he disliked its “attitude,” the chaos of Mumbai, and preferred working from his home state Assam.
Q2: Does Zubeen Garg still work in Bollywood?
A2: He hasn’t permanently left Bollywood but has chosen to work from Assam. He welcomes collaborations if producers come to him.
Q3: What did Zubeen Garg say about Mumbai?
A3: He said, “I still have a home in Mumbai, but I don’t like the chaos. It’s just too much.”
Q4: What was Zubeen Garg’s message to Bollywood?
A4: “If they want to work with me, they should come to Assam.”
Q5: What inspired Zubeen Garg to stay in Assam?
A5: His love for Assamese culture, people, and artistic freedom inspired him to stay rooted in his homeland