GUWAHATI

An Assamese film production company has released the last recorded duet of the late Zubeen Garg, Assam’s cultural icon, with his predeceased co-singer Gayatri Hazarika.

The song, ‘Xorogi Xopun’ (heavenly dream), is from Dipholu, an Assamese feature film scheduled for theatrical release on August 21, 2026.

Garg died on September 19, 2025, while swimming in the sea off an island in Singapore, triggering mass grief in Assam. He was 52.

Hazarika died on May 16, 2025, after losing a long battle with colon cancer. She was 44.

Dipholu marks Borluit Productions’ entry into feature-length cinema after a series of acclaimed short films, including Rong: The Colour and Akaax Bisari: Into the Sky. The feature film is produced by Jekiv and directed by Nekib, who use first names.

Mr. Nekib said the song’s release was more than a promotional event.

“’Xorogi Xopun’  is more of an emotional gradient for us rather than a commercial song. The presence of this song takes our film to another emotional plane. We wanted to take the first step towards releasing our film by making it a tribute to Zubeen Da and Gayatri Ba rather than a conventional song launch,” he said.

Da and Ba are honorifics for elder brother and elder sister in Assamese. 

According to the filmmaker, the song occupies a crucial place within the narrative of Dipholu, serving as an emotional bridge that binds together themes of love, romance, responsibility, and social consciousness.

Mr. Nekib wrote the lyrics of the film’s songs, barring one penned by Gargee Bhattacharjee. Mr. Jekiv composed the songs and provided the music for the film.

Apart from Garg and Hazarika, Rupali Kashyap, Rakesh Reeyan and Montumoni Saikia lent their voices to the film’s songs.

Rooted in the realities of Assamese village life, the film combines humour, emotion, and a strong social message, while celebrating the culture, traditions and spirit of Assam.

The film features an ensemble cast, including Amrita Gogoi, Subrat Deori, Arun Nath, Arun Hazarika, Purnada Hazarika, Rajib Dowari, Jyotishman Borah, Kanika Nath, Anirban Kalita, Ankur Baidya, Hitesh Baruah, Simashree Bora, Priyanshi Kashyap, and Dibya Jyoti Borah, with veteran actress Mridula Barua appearing in a special role.