Zubeen Garg, the celebrated singer and multi-instrumentalist who became a household name across India with his Bollywood hit “Ya Ali,” passed away on Friday in Singapore at the age of 52.
His passing was confirmed by organizers of the North East India Festival in Singapore, where Mr. Garg was slated to perform over the weekend. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam State in India’s northeast, also confirmed the news at a press conference, stating that the cause of death was drowning. The Singaporean government has yet to release an official statement regarding his death.
Mr. Garg’s unique musical style effortlessly merged the traditional folk sounds of Assam with contemporary pop and rock elements. Blessed with a powerful voice, he captivated audiences with both romantic ballads and poignant, mournful tunes. He was remarkably prolific, recording thousands of songs in dozens of languages and dialects, showcasing his mastery of multiple instruments, acting in films, composing film scores, and consistently drawing large crowds to his concerts.
“Ya Ali,” The Song That Defined a Generation
His breakthrough moment came with “Ya Ali,” a captivating song of love and longing that was featured on the soundtrack of the 2006 Bollywood film, “Gangster.” As a playback singer—a vocalist who records songs for actors to lip-sync onscreen—Mr. Garg’s performance on “Ya Ali” earned him the prestigious award for best playback singer at the 2006 Global Indian Film Awards.
Born in 1972 in Meghalaya, a northeastern state adjacent to Assam, Mr. Garg initially pursued a science degree in college in Assam but ultimately chose to dedicate himself entirely to music. His debut album, “Anamika,” was released in 1992, when he was just 19 years old.
Over nearly three decades, Mr. Garg’s career blossomed, marked by thousands of songs in numerous Indian languages. Yet, even he was surprised by the immense success of “Ya Ali.” In a 2012 television interview, he humbly remarked, “I didn’t know it would become so big. It was good for me, too.”
For millions, his voice offered solace and connection. His music championed the rich diversity of India, particularly in a region often grappling with ethnic tensions. Despite his celebrity status, he remained a remarkably grounded and approachable personality.
He notably chose to reside primarily in Assam, nestled in the Himalayan foothills of India’s far northeast, rather than the bustling coastal megacity of Mumbai, the heart of Bollywood.
A Voice of Conscience
Mr. Garg was also known for his outspoken political views. In 2019, he joined a group of other Assamese singers in challenging a controversial citizenship law championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. This law sparked widespread, deadly protests, with critics arguing it was a clear attempt to transform India into a Hindu-centric state, marginalizing its 200 million Muslim minority citizens.
He also openly challenged religious orthodoxy. At a concert in 2024, he controversially questioned a revered Hindu deity, stating, “Krishna is not a god. He was a man.” This stance led to him being barred from performing in Majuli, a significant spiritual center for a Hindu sect in Assam, according to local news reports at the time.
Details regarding Mr. Garg’s surviving family members were not immediately available.
In recognition of his profound musical contributions, Mr. Garg was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, in 2024.
Following his body’s return to Assam, millions lined the streets, accompanying the procession from the airport to a stadium in Guwahati, the state’s largest city. Across the state, prayers and tributes poured in, and his songs resonated from loudspeakers in narrow alleys as people gathered to mourn the loss of a true icon.