Papon pays emotional tribute to late Zubeen Garg ahead of India-Sri Lanka Women’s World Cup opener in Guwahati

Popular Assamese singer Papon paid tribute to the late Zubeen Garg by performing at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium ahead of the opening game of the ICC Women’s World Cup between India and Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

Renowned Assamese musician Garg, who gained mainstream popularity through Bollywood hits such as Ya Ali, Subah Subah among others, had passed away at the age of 52 on 19 September in Singapore. He was cremated with full state honours four days later at the Kamarkuchi village in Sonapur, about 30 km east of Guwahati, with hundreds of thousands turning up to bid one of Assam’s most popular cultural icons goodbye.

Zubeen Garg chants echo around Barsapara during Papon’s tribute

Papon, whose real name is Angarag Mahanta, was among those who had attended Garg’s last rites and later cancalled his upcoming shows and other professional commitments. The 49-year-old, however, turned up at the Barsapara Stadium to pay tribute to his dear friend, where he performed ahead of the India-Sri Lanka showdown.

📌বৰ্ষাপাৰাৰ উদ্বোধনী মেচত জুবিনক সোঁৱৰি পাপনৰ সংগীত পৰিৱেশন#ZubeenGarg #JusticeForZubeenGarg #papon #reelsvideoシ #reelsfbシ #assamtalksdigital pic.twitter.com/snTvoVhCug

— Assam Talks (@AssamTalks2025) September 30, 2025

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Papon sung Maya, one of Garg’s biggest hits in his native Assamese, while fans reportedly chanted “Joi Zubeen Da” as a wave of emotions swept across the venue, which is among four Indian stadiums that will be hosting matches in the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s World Cup.

Also Read | When Zubeen Garg said 'If I die in Assam, it will remain closed for seven days'

Besides Papon’s emotional tribute, the World Cup opener also witnessed Bollywood icon Shreyas Ghoshal sing the Indian national anthem ahead of start of play.

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This was after Sri Lanka won the toss and skipper Chamari Athapaththu opted to field. The Women in Blue beginning their campaign on a shaky note after losing in-form opener Smriti Mandhana early in the innings. Mandhana, who had scored two centuries in an ODI series against defending champions Australia ahead of the World Cup, fell for 8 as Udeshika Prabodhani struck in the fourth over.