Assam stops all film screenings to honour Zubeen Garg, only his final film Roi Roi Binale to play across state, GST will be donated to…
The Assam government will transfer the state’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) share from Zubeen’s last film Roi Roi Binale to Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, an organization founded by the singer for the welfare of the poor.
Zubeen Garg in her latest movie Roi Roi Binale
Zubeen Garg was a famous Indian singer and composer from Assam; He was best known for his soulful voice and his immense contribution to Assamese and Indian music. With iconic songs like Ya Ali and countless regional hits, it has become a cultural icon combining traditional and modern sounds. His artistic passion and deep connection to his roots have made him one of North East India’s most loved and influential musicians.
The legendary artist passed away in Singapore on September 19. Garg was cremated with full state honors with a 21-gun salute on 23 September and his ashes were buried in the Brahmaputra River on 29 October. Now, Zubeen’s latest film and dream project, Roi Roi Binale, will release across India on October 31.
In a rare and frank decision, Assam has announced that it will stop all further film screenings from this Friday. No other movies will be released in theatres, including Thamma, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 or newer movies like Baahubali: The Epic and The Taj Story. Instead, only Roi Roi Binale will be screened exclusively as a posthumous tribute to Zubeen Garg.
The Assam government will transfer the state’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) share from Zubeen’s last film Roi Roi Binale to Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, an organization founded by the singer for the welfare of the poor. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made this announcement at a press conference on October 29.
Sarma said that there is no entertainment tax on films shown in the state, so it is out of the question to waive it upon the request of a section of the society. “The state government will transfer its share of the GST generated from the film solely to Kalaguru Artiste Foundation to support medical treatment of artistes, help flood victims and assist needy students in their academic pursuits,” he added.
Explaining the process, Sarma said, “There is 18 percent GST on movie tickets over 100 rupees, and 5 percent GST on tickets under 100 rupees. The government share is half of this rate and we receive the money after about a month. Then we will deliver it to the foundation.” He said the decision was taken after consulting Garg’s wife Garima Saikia, who agreed to the idea.
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