Italian opera singer Gioconda Vessichelli became emotional during her visit to Zubeen Garg’s Jonali Studio speaking on her experiences with the late singer and sharing her memories of their collaboration on the movie title track of Roi Roi Binali.
Gioconda described Zubeen Garg as a unique talent whose presence and creativity has made a lasting impact on everyone around him. “He is from Assam, but his music was universal. He was pure like a child. He was not money-minded or business-minded. His heart was completely pure.”
Gioconda recounted the excitement and energy Zubeen brought to the studio, which he fondly referred to as his “little kingdom.” “He said this is my little kingdom because here he was doing his music, jamming and creating new songs. He loved the greenery, the trees and the environment. He hugged the trees and spoke to them like I do. I loved him so much,” she said. 
The opera singer, who contributed to the title track of Roi Roi Binali shared that their collaboration had been a long-standing project, planned over the past three years. “He told me, ‘You have created magic, Gioconda, you have created magic.’ He wanted something innovative for the song, something that would give a dreaming touch and people from Assam always appreciate innovation,” she said.
Gioconda spoke about her last interactions with Zubeen, just days before his untimely death. “Just two days before he passed away, he was so happy with this movie. He told me, ‘I’m working on the background music.’ It had great vitality. He had great plans for this project,” she said. The singer’s dedication was evident in every step of the production, from studio recordings in Mumbai to shooting in scenic locations along the Brahmaputra. “He said, ‘See, Brahmaputra is like my mother. I want my music to be connected with it.’”
Beyond his musical genius, Gioconda highlighted Zubeen’s personal warmth and simplicity. “I met him in Mumbai 10 years ago at Meet Bros studio. He was very simple, casual and creative. He even designed his own clothes. There was no pretense, no showiness. He was just himself,” she said. She also remembered the fun moments they shared while exploring local delicacies and absorbing Assam’s culture. “We ate local fruits, silk worms. It was a learning experience for me and he was so happy here,” she added.
Gioconda also spoke about Zubeen’s deep bond with his family and colleagues. “He was very in love with his wife, Garima. He always called her his tigress. She was supportive and strong and I felt like part of the family when I worked with them,” she said. She further praised Zubeen’s team in Mumbai, including Nilotpal and Rahul, whom he trusted like family. “He said, ‘You just trust Rahul, Garima and Nilotpal. They are my close family,’” she said.
Speaking on Zubeen’s personality, Gioconda described him as both profound and playful. “He could read people’s minds. Even when we were on the road, he would sense if I was concerned about something and come up with a solution. He was like a philosopher, but also funny. He was never boring or heavy. He was so deep yet so light,” she said.
“I met people on my flight from Mumbai who were still mourning him, even a month after his death. They weren’t his relatives, just fans. That shows how much he gave to people, how big-hearted the people of Assam are,” she said. She also praised the communal spirit that Zubeen fostered on his sets. “Everyone felt like family. He created a feeling of heart and soul in everything he did and that is something to preserve,” she added.
Gioconda further shared Zubeen’s philosophical reflections from their last days together. “He would say things like, ‘How can a man who can see everything become blind?’ He was always talking about truth, perception and being genuine. He had this unique way of expressing himself,” she said.
The opera singer also talked about the upcoming release of Roi Roi Binali on October 31, describing how Zubeen had been involved in every detail of the production. “When we were doing the coloring of the movie, I saw his face so big on the screen, singing. I felt he was still here. I still can’t process that he’s no longer with us,” she said.
Addressing the issue of justice for Zubeen, Gioconda offered a spiritual perspective. “Being from Italy, I don’t trust politicians or justice systems easily. I only trust Bhagavan’s justice and I think that has already been done through his funeral. The biggest funeral was proof of that. Whatever happens on this terrestrial level, it is in God’s hands,” she said.
“He was a great artist and a great human being. He left this world empty. But the way he lived, the love he gave and the inspiration he left behind will remain forever,” she said.
