Guwahati: Here's why singer Zubeen Garg was not allowed to sing a Hindi song from 'Krrish 3'

Assam's top singer Zubeen Garg walked off the stage midway during a performance in Guwahati on Friday night as he was not allowed to sing a Hindi song, reported Hindustan Times. He was performing at Rongali Bihu — Assam’s biggest festival.

Zubeen was interrupted when he was performing "Dil tu hi bata" from Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish 3. He quit the performance, but only after hurling abuses and stating that an artiste has the right to perform what he desires, The Indian Express reported.

“You shouldn’t have called me if you wanted me not to sing Hindi songs. I have sung over 16,000 songs in the past 25 years, I don’t care about your restrictions,” the "Ya Ali " singer said, reported HT.

This objection can be seen as a way to resist what many say a forceful imposition of traditions and culture in the state from the "Hindi heartland".

Bihu marks beginning of the Assamese new year when stage functions showcasing songs and dances of the state's various tribes are organised.  

“His event manager had assured us even before he went up to the stage that Zubeen Garg would not sing any Hindi song on the bihu stage. It was a gentleman’s agreement that he flouted, prompting us to stop him. We are not opposed to any language, but bihu is not for singing Hindi songs,” said Madhu Ranjan Nath, president of the Noonmati Bihu Sanmilan, Express reported.