In a moving tribute to the late Assamese singer and composer Zubeen Garg, Shreya Ghoshal performed his iconic Assamese song "Mayabini" on Indian Idol 16. Vishal Dadlani, another judge on the show, honored Garg's legacy, calling him "one of the biggest stars" ever born in India and "the greatest of all time".
The tribute occurred during the audition rounds of Indian Idol 16, when a contestant from Assam took the stage. Dadlani remarked on Assam being a musically rich place and emphasized the significance of Zubeen Garg's contributions, expressing that losing Garg was a profound matter for the Assamese community. Ghoshal joined the contestant, Satyendra Yein, to sing "Mayabini," creating a heartfelt moment. Later, Ghoshal and Dadlani together performed Dadlani's hit song "Jaane Kya" from the 2006 film Pyaar Ke Side Effects, further honoring Garg's memory. The episode concluded with Dadlani's emphatic declaration, "Zubeen forever".
The tribute has resonated deeply with fans, with clips of the performance going viral on social media, amassing millions of views. Zubeen Garg's influence extended far beyond Assam, with "Ya Ali" from the film Gangster (2006) becoming a popular track nationwide. Following Garg's death, "Mayabini" has emerged as an anthem of mourning, played at homes, public gatherings, and on social media as fans express their grief and respect.
Zubeen Garg passed away on September 19, 2025, in Singapore, during a sea outing. News reports indicate he fell unconscious while swimming and was declared dead at the hospital. His untimely demise has been met with widespread শোক and tributes from the music and film industry.
Shreya Ghoshal had previously paid tribute to Zubeen Garg by singing "Mayabini" at the opening ceremony of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in Guwahati. This performance also created an emotional atmosphere, with fans chanting "Joy Zubeen Da!".
Indian Idol 16, themed "Yaadon Ki Playlist," premiered on October 18 on Sony Entertainment Television and streams on SonyLIV. Alongside Vishal Dadlani and Shreya Ghoshal, rapper Badshah has joined as a judge. The show aims to celebrate India's rich musical heritage and provide a platform for emerging talent.
