Daijiworld Media Network – Guwahati
Guwahati, Sep 19: Renowned Assamese singer and music legend Zubeen Garg has tragically passed away following a scuba diving mishap in Singapore.
According to reports, Garg was rescued from the sea by Singapore police and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Despite receiving intensive medical care, doctors were unable to revive him.
Garg had travelled to Singapore to perform at the North East Festival and was scheduled to sing on the very day of the incident. Authorities in Singapore have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, though no official statement has been released as yet.
Condolences have poured in from across Assam and beyond. Politician Ripun Bora stated, “Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of our cultural icon Zubeen Garg. His voice, music, and indomitable spirit inspired generations across Assam and beyond. My heartfelt condolences to his family, fans, and loved ones. Rest in peace, Legend #ZubeenGarg."
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep grief, saying, “Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am at a loss for words to describe what Zubeen meant for Assam. He has gone too early. Zubeen’s voice had an unmatched ability to energise people, and his music spoke directly to our minds and souls. He has left a void that will never be filled. Our future generations will remember him as a stalwart of Assam’s culture, and his works will inspire many more talented artists in the days and years to come.”
Sarma added, “Beyond his music, his connection with people and passion for helping them will always be remembered. I will greatly cherish all my interactions with him. That magical voice has forever gone silent. Tragic beyond words! I grieve with my fellow citizens on the passing away of Zubeen. Rest well, Zubeen! You will always be Assam’s favourite rockstar."
Zubeen Garg, celebrated as one of Assam’s greatest musicians, was best known in Bollywood for the hit song Ya Ali from the film Gangster. A versatile singer and multi-instrumentalist, he performed in over 40 languages and could play 12 instruments, including tabla, guitar, harmonium, drums, and mandolin. He began singing at the age of three, trained under his mother and tabla maestro Pandit Robin Banerjee, and was introduced to Assamese folk music by Guru Ramani Rai.
Born in Tura, Meghalaya, to Mohini Mohon Borthakur and Ily Borthakur, Garg was named after composer Zubin Mehta and adopted “Garg” as his surname. His father was a magistrate and poet, and his mother a singer. He married fashion designer Garima Saikia in 2002. Garg’s sister, actress-singer Jongki Borthakur, died in a road accident in 2002, inspiring him to release the album Xixhu in her memory.
Over his illustrious career, Garg became Assam’s highest-paid singer and was honoured as Guest Artist of the Year at the 2011 Assam Convention in Oakbrook, Chicago. Despite occasional controversies over his outspoken remarks on religion and culture, his music transcended boundaries and won hearts across India and abroad.
Zubeen Garg leaves behind a timeless legacy of music and an enduring influence on generations of artists and fans. May his soul rest in peace.