Assam Bihu Celebrations Marred by Song Distortion Controversy Involving Marmita Mitra
A significant controversy has erupted across Assam during the festive Rongali Bihu celebrations, casting a shadow over the cultural festivities. Bengali singer Marmita Mitra has been accused of distorting the songs of the revered Assamese artist Zubeen Garg, sparking widespread backlash and prompting multiple Bihu organizing committees to cancel her scheduled performances.
Performance in Guwahati Triggers Public Outcry
Police reports indicate that the incident occurred during a Bihu function in Guwahati, where Marmita Mitra performed some of Zubeen Garg's popular songs. Her rendition drew sharp criticism, with allegations that the essence and originality of the compositions were altered, deeply hurting public sentiments. Clips of the performance were circulated widely on social media platforms, amplifying the reaction and fueling the controversy.
Family and Cultural Leaders Express Disapproval
Zubeen Garg's sister, Palmee Borthakur, took to Facebook to address the issue. She posted, "To all the 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 emphasized the critical importance of preserving the song’s originality and cultural essence. The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) condemned the act, labeling it as "unacceptable" and disrespectful to the legacy of the late singer. AASU president Utpal Sarma stated on Friday that while artists have the freedom to interpret music, they must not misrepresent or distort the core identity of culturally significant works, particularly during traditional festivals like Bihu.
Mitra Issues Public Apology Amid Growing Tensions
In response to the mounting criticism, Marmita Mitra issued a heartfelt apology on social media. She said, "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."
Legal and Performance Repercussions Unfold
Between Friday and Saturday, multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) were lodged at police stations in districts including Kamrup (Metropolitan), Charaideo, and Sivasagar. Police officials confirmed that no formal case has been registered against her so far, and an enquiry is currently underway to assess the situation.
Amid the intense backlash, several Bihu committees took decisive action by cancelling Marmita Mitra’s scheduled performances. The Golaghat Central Bihu Committee was the first to call off her April 30 show, citing public sentiment and the need to honor the originality of the song. This move was followed by committees in Kaziranga, Panjabari, Sonitpur, Sivasagar, and Tinsukia, which also cancelled her shows, reflecting the widespread cultural sensitivity surrounding the issue.
Broader Implications for Cultural Preservation
This incident highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and cultural preservation in Assam. As Bihu, a cornerstone of Assamese identity, continues to be celebrated, the controversy serves as a reminder of the deep emotional connections people have with traditional music and the importance of respecting artistic legacies. The ongoing police enquiry and public discourse are likely to influence future performances and cultural policies in the region.
