Guwahati: A controversy has erupted across Assam during Rongali Bihu celebrations after Bengali singer Marmita Mitra was accused of distorting songs of Zubeen Garg, triggering backlash and prompting multiple Bihu organising committees to cancel her scheduled performances.Police said the incident occurred during a Bihu function in Guwahati where Mitra performed some of Garg’s popular songs. Her rendition drew criticism, with allegations that the essence and originality of the compositions were altered, hurting public sentiments. Clips of the performance were circulated widely on social media, amplifying the reaction.
Garg’s sister Palmee Borthakur posted on Facebook: “To all the artists- artists who performed Zubeen da’s songs with great respect and love on the stage of Bohag, honoring his creation, thank you very much from our family, although thank you is just a small word. Special request to Marmita Mitra to perform Zubeen Garg’s songs purely on stage, because Zubeen Garg’s creation must prevail among the public, among the new generation. Experimentation on musical compositions and improvisation on existing compositions must be very scientifically done and shall maintain the original flavour of the compositions.My best wishes are with her.”On Saturday, Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, also emphasised the importance of preserving the song’s originality and cultural essence.All Assam Students’ Union condemned the act, calling it “unacceptable” and disrespectful to the legacy of the late singer. Aasu president Utpal Sarma said on Friday while artists have freedom to interpret music, they must not misrepresent or distort the core identity of culturally significant works, particularly during traditional festivals like Bihu.Mitra issued an apology on social media, saying: “I, Marmita Mitra, sincerely apologise to the people of Assam. I also seek forgiveness from the family of Zubeen da. The song I performed on stage that day has hurt many sentiments. Dada has always been like God to me and will always remain so. I would never dare to distort God’s song, this was an unintentional mistake on my part. For that, I once again apologise to everyone.”Between Friday and Saturday, multiple FIRs were lodged at police stations in Kamrup (Metropolitan), Charaideo and Sivasagar, among other districts. Police officials said no case has been formally registered against her so far and an enquiry is underway.Amid the backlash, several Bihu committees cancelled Mitra’s scheduled performances. The Golaghat Central Bihu Committee first called off her April 30 show, citing public sentiment and the need to honour the originality of the song. Committees in Kaziranga, Panjabari, Sonitpur, Sivasagar and Tinsukia also cancelled her shows.
