Roi Roi Binale is no longer just a film – it has become an emotion, a keepsake from Zubeen Garg to his audience. In what would be his final appearance on screen, the beloved icon of Assamese music and cinema portrays Raul, a blind musician who lives through sound, memory, and love. Beside him stands debutante actress Mousumi Alifa as Mou, a calm and transformative presence who quietly reshapes his world.
For Mousumi, this journey began not in cinema, but in music. A student and singer, she first stepped into the limelight in 2021 with Zubeen Garg’s music video ‘Monore Koina’. Her natural charm and screen presence soon caught the attention of filmmakers, leading her to her first major role – opposite Zubeen himself – in ‘Roi Roi Binale’.
The film struck a powerful chord with audiences across Assam. Beyond its themes of love and longing, it became a poignant tribute as Zubeen Garg’s final completed work. Mousumi’s performance was widely praised for its sincerity and gentle emotional depth, earning her admiration from both critics and fans.
Today, Roi Roi Binale stands as a cultural milestone – Zubeen Garg’s farewell and Mousumi’s beginning. In this exclusive interview, Mousumi Alifa opens up about working with the legend, the emotions behind the film, and what it means to be a part of a story that will live on in the hearts of millions.
Q. Roi Roi Binale marks your debut in Assamese cinema and also happens to be Zubeen Garg’s final completed film. How does it feel to have begun your journey in a project that has now become such an emotional milestone for everyone?
A: Making my debut with Roi Roi Binale feels like both a blessing and a heartbreak. When I found out I would be acting opposite Zubeen Da, I was overwhelmed – excited, nervous, and endlessly grateful. But now, when I watch the film, all I feel is an ache… because the dreamer behind this masterpiece is no longer here to see it. I learned so much from him on and off screen, yet it feels like I had just begun. The film is complete, but his absence leaves an emptiness that cannot be filled.
Q. What memories do you carry from working with Zubeen Garg – both on set and off – and how did he influence or guide you as a newcomer?
A: Zubeen Da was like a father figure – gentle, wise and endlessly giving. His simplicity made it so easy to learn from him. He never taught through lectures, but through small, honest moments. Alongside Director Rajesh Bhuyan sir and the team, he helped me understand that true acting comes from feeling every moment as if it were real – every word, every expression.
Q. After his passing, did watching the completed film or revisiting certain scenes feel more personal or emotionally overwhelming for you?
A: To me, Zubeen Da was more than human – he was divine in the way he saw the world. And divine souls don’t disappear; they remain with us. Watching the film was overwhelming… not just because he’s no longer beside us, but because on screen, he is alive – breathing, speaking, smiling. It feels like his spirit still reaches out to us through every frame.
Q. If you could share one heartfelt message today, either to Zubeen Garg or to his fans through this film, what would you say?
A: Zubeen Da taught us that true vision doesn’t come from the eyes, but from the heart. Roi Roi Binale carries that message at its core – seeing the world with emotion, truth, and love.
Q. When you look back now, knowing that Roi Roi Binale was Zubeen Garg’s final completed film before his passing, how does it make you feel to have been part of it?
A: I feel deeply blessed. It feels like God chose me to be part of this journey with Zubeen Da. Sharing the screen with him was an honour I will cherish forever, and I pray his guidance and grace stay with me always.
Q. Do you remember the day you last saw him on set? What was his mood like toward the end of the shoot?
A: Zubeen Da always believed Roi Roi Binale would win hearts – and today, his faith feels prophetic. On the last day of shooting, he told me something I’ll never forget: “Go chase success through your craft. Don’t stop. I’m with you, always.” Those were his final words to me – words I carry like a blessing.
Q. After his passing, did any particular dialogue or moment feel more meaningful to you?
A: Yes. Zubeen Da once said that many of the dialogues in the film came from his real-life thoughts, beautifully shaped into words by writer Rahul Gautam Sarma Da. That makes each line feel sacred – like pieces of his wisdom. One line that stays with me is: “I am afraid of none… but only time.”
Q. How emotionally challenging was it to watch the completed film after his demise?
A: It was incredibly difficult. Zubeen Da’s portrayal of a blind musician was extraordinary – he performed nearly every scene wearing lenses with only about 5% visibility to stay true to the character. Watching his dedication and vulnerability on screen brought tears I couldn’t hold back. Every frame felt painfully real.
Q. Zubeen Garg was known to inspire his co-actors. Is there any piece of advice from him that you’ll always carry?
A: He once told me, “You’re doing well, but don’t stop singing and dancing. You’re gifted – and you shouldn’t limit yourself to just one path.” That advice is etched in my heart. I’ll carry it with me always.
Q. How did the atmosphere on set change when the team received the news of his death? How did it affect you?
A: At first, we refused to believe it. We thought it was a rumour. I kept praying he would return from Singapore healthy. None of us imagined this would be his last film. Even today, a part of me expects him to walk back onto a set, smiling, ready with a new idea. Accepting reality has been incredibly hard.
Q. As this film is now seen as his farewell, did you feel any responsibility while promoting or speaking about it after his passing?
A: Absolutely. Zubeen Da dreamed of taking Assamese cinema to greater heights, and Roi Roi Binale is the reflection of that dream. I feel a deep responsibility to honour his legacy by sharing his vision with sincerity. I know he would have been overwhelmed by the love people are giving this film.
Q. Is there any unfinished conversation or moment you wish you could have shared with him?
A: He often spoke about his next dream project, ‘Bagh’, where he wanted to play a mute character – something completely different and daring. It breaks my heart that this dream will remain unfinished.
Q. What do you think audiences will feel when they see him on screen now?
A: I think there will be a profound silence in every heart. This film gives us one last chance to see him alive – moving, speaking, existing in peace. It’s his final gift to us.
Q. If you could send one message to Zubeen Garg todaywhat would you say?
A: Dada, your dream came true on October 31st—just as you said it would. Roi Roi Binale has filled hearts with love, just like you promised. We miss you. We love you, always.
