Zubeen Garg, the celebrated singer and multi-instrumentalist, who rose to immense fame across India with his iconic Bollywood song “Ya Ali,” has passed away in Singapore at the age of 52.
His passing was confirmed by the North East India Festival in Singapore, an event where Garg was slated to perform. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam State in India’s northeast, also publicly acknowledged the news.
Chief Minister Sarma disclosed to the media that drowning was the cause of death. Officials in Singapore have yet to issue a statement regarding Garg’s demise.
Garg’s musical genius was evident in his ability to weave together the rich folk traditions of Assam with vibrant pop and rock influences. His powerful, emotive voice could effortlessly deliver both romantic ballads and melancholic tunes. Throughout his remarkable career, he sang in countless languages and dialects, mastered a variety of instruments, starred in films, composed captivating scores, and consistently sold out concerts.
His breakout hit, “Ya Ali,” a poignant song exploring themes of love and yearning, gained widespread acclaim after being featured in the 2006 Bollywood film “Gangster.”
As a playback singer for “Ya Ali,” Garg lent his voice to the track, which actors then lip-synched on screen. His exceptional performance earned him the prestigious award for best playback singer at the 2006 Global Indian Film Awards.
Born in Meghalaya, a northeastern Indian state close to Assam, in 1972, Zubeen Garg’s early life saw him attend school and college in Assam. Despite pursuing a science degree, his true passion lay in music, which he ultimately chose to pursue as a full-time career.
At just 19 years old, Garg launched his musical journey with his debut album, “Anamika,” released in 1992.
With a career spanning nearly three decades, Garg’s repertoire included thousands of songs in a myriad of Indian languages. The monumental success of “Ya Ali” came as a genuine surprise to him.
Reflecting on its impact in a 2012 interview, he admitted, “I didn’t know it would become so big. But it was definitely good for my career.”
For millions, his voice offered solace and comfort. His music transcended boundaries, celebrating the rich diversity of an India often marked by ethnic tensions. Despite his celebrity status, Garg remained widely regarded as an approachable and grounded individual.
Instead of settling in Mumbai, the bustling coastal hub of Bollywood, he opted to reside predominantly in Assam, a serene northeastern state nestled in the Himalayan foothills.
Never one to shy away from social and political issues, Garg joined fellow Assamese singers in publicly challenging a controversial 2019 citizenship law. This law, advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, ignited widespread and often deadly protests, with critics arguing it was designed to establish a Hindu-centric state and sideline India’s 200 million Muslim minority.
His outspoken nature extended to challenging religious orthodoxy. During a 2024 concert, he controversially questioned the divine status of a revered Hindu deity.
“Krishna is not a God,” he stated boldly. “He was a man.”
Consequently, local media reported that he was asked to refrain from performing in Majuli, a significant spiritual center in Assam for a particular Hindu sect.
Details regarding Garg’s surviving family members were not immediately released.
In recognition of his profound musical impact, the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, bestowed an honorary degree upon him in 2024.
Upon his body’s return to Assam, millions lined the streets, accompanying his procession from the airport to a stadium in Guwahati, the state’s largest city. Across Assam, prayers and heartfelt tributes resonated, with loudspeakers in every alleyway playing his beloved songs as communities united in grief.