On 19 September 2025, India lost one of its most versatile and beloved musicians. Zubeen Garg, the celebrated Assamese and Bollywood playback singer, breathed his last in Singapore following a sudden medical emergency during a scuba diving trip. His departure has left millions of fans heartbroken, particularly in Assam and the North East, where his voice was a symbol of identity and pride.
This obituary is not merely about recounting his achievements but about understanding the man behind the music — his journey, his struggles, his cultural impact, and the eternal legacy of Zubeen Garg.
Table of Contents
Childhood and Early Influences
Zubeen Garg, born Zubeen Borthakur on 18 November 1972, hailed from a musically gifted family. His father, Mohini Mohan Borthakur, was a poet and lyricist who nurtured Assamese literature, while his mother, Ily Borthakur, was a singer. Growing up in Jorhat, Assam, young Zubeen was surrounded by melodies, rhymes, and instruments.
The death of his sister, Jonkey Borthakur, also a well-known singer, left a deep emotional scar on him. It was this tragedy that pushed Zubeen to immerse himself completely in music, both as an outlet for grief and as a way to carry forward her legacy.
Adopting the name Zubeen Garg as a tribute to the global conductor Zubin Mehta, he set out on a path to make music not just a career, but a life mission.
Rise in Assamese Music
Zubeen Garg’s professional journey began in the early 1990s with the release of his Assamese album Anamika in 1992. The album was a commercial success and made him a household name in Assam. Songs from this record captured the hearts of listeners with their freshness, poetic lyrics, and Zubeen’s uniquely emotional singing style.
Over the years, he went on to record hundreds of Assamese songs, often experimenting with folk traditions, modern pop, and even rock. Tracks like Mayabini Ratir Xur and Maya became timeless hits that continue to resonate with Assamese audiences.
Unlike many regional singers, Zubeen never saw Assamese music as a stepping stone. He consistently gave back to his roots, ensuring Assamese culture and cinema reached new heights.
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Bollywood Breakthrough: The Magic of “Ya Ali”
For the rest of India, Zubeen Garg became a sensation in 2006 with the release of Ya Ali from the film Gangster. The song, composed by Pritam, became one of the most popular tracks of the decade.
“Ya Ali” catapulted Zubeen into the national spotlight, introducing his powerful, haunting voice to audiences who had never before heard Assamese singers in Bollywood playback. The track’s success brought him awards, critical acclaim, and new opportunities, yet Zubeen remained humble and deeply connected to his Assamese identity.
Multilingual Mastery
One of the hallmarks of Zubeen Garg’s career was his ability to sing in more than 40 languages. From Hindi and Assamese to Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and Nepali, he was a true polyglot of music.
His linguistic versatility was not just technical; he infused each rendition with the right cultural tone and emotion. This rare skill earned him admiration not only in India but also among diaspora communities worldwide.
Film, Acting, and Creative Pursuits
Zubeen Garg was not limited to playback singing. He was also a composer, lyricist, director, and actor. He composed music for several Assamese films, acted in regional cinema, and directed projects that pushed creative boundaries.
His contributions to Assamese cinema were immense. At a time when the industry struggled for visibility and resources, Zubeen’s involvement brought credibility and commercial viability. His work encouraged younger artists to pursue careers in film and music within the region.
Humanitarian and Social Activist
Beyond music, Zubeen Garg was known as a man of the people. He frequently involved himself in social causes, ranging from flood relief to campaigns for education and healthcare.
Zubeen also spoke fearlessly about political issues, often using his platform to voice the concerns of ordinary Assamese citizens. While his outspoken nature sometimes led to controversy, it also won him deep respect as someone unafraid to stand for what he believed in.
Awards and Recognition
Over his three-decade career, Zubeen Garg amassed numerous awards and honors. Some highlights include:
- Filmfare Awards (Eastern India) for his contribution to regional music.
- Recognition from Bollywood for songs like “Ya Ali.”
- Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) from the University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya in 2024.
- Multiple state-level honors acknowledging his role as a cultural ambassador.
But for Zubeen, the greatest award was always the love of his fans. He often said that their unwavering support mattered more than any trophy or certificate.
The Tragic End
On 19 September 2025, tragedy struck. While participating in a scuba diving activity in Singapore ahead of the North East India Festival, Zubeen suddenly experienced breathing difficulties. Despite immediate medical attention, including CPR, he was pronounced dead at Singapore General Hospital.
The shocking news reverberated across India. Assam, in particular, fell into mourning. The Assam government declared a period of official mourning, arranged a second post-mortem in Guwahati, and announced a state funeral with full honors.
Tens of thousands attended his final rites, turning the funeral into one of the largest gatherings in the state’s history. For many, it felt like losing a family member rather than just an artist.
Reactions and Tributes
Tributes poured in from every corner of society. Politicians, including the Prime Minister and Assam’s Chief Minister, paid homage to the singer’s unparalleled contributions. Bollywood celebrities remembered him as a colleague and friend.
Ordinary fans, however, offered the most heartfelt tributes. From candlelight vigils to street processions singing his songs, Assam resonated with Zubeen’s melodies even as it mourned his silence.
The Legacy of Zubeen Garg
The legacy of Zubeen Garg is monumental:
- Cultural bridge: He brought Assamese music to a national and global platform.
- Voice of identity: For Assamese people, he symbolized pride, resilience, and cultural richness.
- Inspiration for artists: His career proved that regional talent can achieve national recognition without compromising authenticity.
- Philanthropy: His social work made him not just a singer but also a humanitarian icon.
Zubeen often remarked: “I sing to live forever. My songs are my story.” With a discography spanning thousands of songs, his story will continue to be told for generations.
Conclusion: A Farewell to the People’s Star
In Zubeen Garg’s passing, India has lost more than a musician. We have lost a poet of melodies, a fearless voice of activism, and a cultural beacon of the North East. His sudden death is a reminder of life’s fragility, but his music ensures his immortality.
Every time an Assamese child hums his songs, every time a Bollywood fan replays Ya Ali, every time a flood victim recalls his relief concerts, Zubeen Garg will live on.
He leaves behind not silence, but an endless echo — of songs, of love, of identity. Assam may have lost its son, but the world has gained an eternal voice.