Celebrated Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg has passed away at the age of 52. He died after a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore. According to reports, he was rescued from the sea by local police and rushed to Singapore General Hospital. Despite being admitted to the ICU, doctors could not save him.
The singer was in Singapore for the North East Festival, where he was scheduled to perform on September 20. During a scuba diving session, he experienced breathing difficulties. He was given CPR after being pulled out, but was declared dead around 2.30 pm Indian time.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Assam Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal, who wrote on social media, “Assam has lost not just a voice, but a heartbeat. Zubeen da was more than a singer; he was the pride of Assam and the nation.”
Who Was Zubeen Garg?
Born in 1972 in Meghalaya, Zubeen Garg’s real name was Zubeen Borthakur. He adopted “Garg” from his family’s gotra during the 1990s and became widely known by that name.
He first rose to fame in Assam with regional songs before achieving nationwide recognition. His career-defining moment came in 2006 with the Bollywood hit “Ya Ali” from the Emraan Hashmi, Shiney Ahuja, and Kangana Ranaut’s film Gangster. The track was a massive success, making him a household name across India.
Over the years, Zubeen recorded songs in more than 40 languages, including Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and Nepali. Known as the “Voice of Assam,” he was one of the most popular and highest-paid singers in the region.
Family And Personal Life
Zubeen Garg came from a family deeply rooted in music and literature. His father, Mohini Mohon Borthakur, was a magistrate, poet, and lyricist who wrote under the pen name Kapil Thakur. His mother, Ily Borthakur, was a singer.
His younger sister, Jongki Borthakur, was also an actress and singer, but tragically died in a road accident in 2002. In her memory, Zubeen released his emotional album Xixhu. In 2002, he married Garima Saikia, a fashion designer from Golaghat, Assam.
Education And Early Career
Zubeen Garg completed his schooling at Tamulpur Higher Secondary School and later studied at Karimganj College before enrolling in B. Borooah College, Guwahati, for a science degree. However, he left college to pursue music full-time.
His confidence in music grew after winning a gold medal for Western solo performance at a youth festival in 1992. He debuted with his Assamese album Anamika in November 1992. His first recorded tracks were Tumi Junu Pariba Hun and Tumi Junaki Hubakh for the album Ritu in 1993.
In Bollywood, his breakthrough came with Ya Ali in 2006, which earned him the Best Playback Singer Award at the Global Indian Film Awards (GIFA). He later released the Hindi album Zindagi (2007) and delivered several Bengali hits, including Mon Mane Na (2008) and Piya Re Piya Re (2008).
His Final Moments
According to festival organisers, Zubeen Garg developed breathing issues while diving in Singapore. Although he was rescued and given CPR, doctors could not revive him.
The tragic news has left millions of his fans heartbroken. Tributes are pouring in from across the country, remembering him not just as a singer but as a cultural ambassador of Assam whose music touched millions.
Zubeen Garg’s sudden demise has created an irreplaceable void in the Indian music industry. He was not only a singer but a storyteller who carried Assam’s culture and emotions to the world. From Ya Ali to his soulful Assamese songs, his voice will continue to live in the hearts of fans forever.
His legacy remains unmatched, and his songs will continue to inspire generations. Assam has lost its heartbeat, but Zubeen da’s music will never fade away.
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