A Heartfelt Tribute: Rakesh Boro Remembers Zubeen Garg

A Unique Bond at Bhootnath

For Rakesh Boro, the caretaker of the Bhootnath crematorium in Guwahati, the memories of Zubeen Garg are deeply intertwined with the serene atmosphere of the cremation ground where they often met during the night.

In the midst of funeral rituals and the quiet ambiance, Boro discovered an unexpected friendship with one of Assam's most cherished artists.

As the date of September 19 approaches, Boro reflects on a bond he never anticipated.

“Even now, I find it hard to comprehend why he sought me out. It felt like a divine encounter. I didn’t realize how lucky I was back then,” Boro reminisces.

Garg's visits were not just brief stops; he would engage in conversations and sometimes share meals with Boro.

“I mostly eat and sleep. When Zubeen da visited, he would occasionally add water to my dry rice and share it with me. We often ate from the same plate,” Boro recalls, still astonished by those moments.

“While others sought out Dada, he came looking for me,” he adds.

The Origin of Their Friendship

Their friendship did not start at the crematorium. Boro first met Garg in 2006 when he assisted Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, in her fashion design work.

From around 2010, he also became involved in Garg’s musical events, helping with stage setups and other tasks.

“Zubeen da had a great affection for me. I worked as Garima bou’s assistant in fashion design and later helped arrange musical instruments for dada’s shows,” he recalls.

Over time, their professional relationship blossomed into a personal friendship.

Garg would frequently visit Bhootnath at night, engaging in discussions about music, films, and life experiences.

A Generous Spirit

For Boro, Garg’s kindness extended beyond their late-night chats.

He remembers how Garg provided him with Rs 50,000 to establish a small shop at the crematorium, where he sells pyre wood. That shop remains operational today.

“Zubeen da took me away from Bhootnath, but I returned. He gave me Rs 50,000 to start my own shop for pyre wood here,” Boro explains.

Garg also inspired him to assist those in need.

“He taught me the importance of helping others. Even now, I give incense sticks to those who cannot afford them, free of charge,” Boro shares, emphasizing his commitment to this lesson.

Cherishing the Memories

What makes Boro’s memories of Garg so special is that he does not view him as a celebrity.

To him, he was simply “Dada.”

In their late-night encounters, there were no crowds or stages—just heartfelt conversations, simple meals, and companionship.

This is why Boro finds it challenging to articulate his feelings. “I remember the times we shared a plate. It pains me to recall his words,” he admits.

A Lasting Legacy

Garg’s passing was initially hard for Boro to accept. He was in his village when he received the news and quickly arranged transportation back to Guwahati.

“At first, I couldn’t believe it. Later, I understood it was true. I was in the village and hired a vehicle to return to Guwahati. After taking Zubeen da to Sonapur, I couldn’t stay there any longer. I left and returned three days later,” he recalls.

For Boro, the loss is not just of a beloved artist but of an elder brother and a friend who impacted his life in profound ways.

On September 19, Boro plans to visit Sonapur to pay his respects.

“I will go to Sonapur on September 19 to honor my elder brother. Remembering his words brings me great pain,” he says.

However, Boro’s remembrance will extend beyond the memorial.

He intends to uphold the values he learned from Garg, especially his compassion for those in need.

“Zubeen da helped many poor people. He taught me invaluable lessons. I will continue to live by his ideals,” Boro asserts.

At Bhootnath, where people come to bid farewell, Zubeen Garg sought a friend. For Rakesh Boro, that simple truth remains the most extraordinary memory of all.