India is mourning the loss of Zubeen Garg, the celebrated singer and multi-instrumentalist, who passed away on Friday in Singapore at the age of 52. He was widely known across the nation, especially for his iconic Bollywood hit, ‘Ya Ali.’
The North East India Festival in Singapore, where Mr. Garg was slated to perform, confirmed his passing. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam State, also announced the news during a press conference.
Chief Minister Sarma stated that drowning was the cause of death, although the Singaporean government did not immediately release further details.
Garg’s unique musical style fused the rich folk traditions of Assam with contemporary pop and rock influences. His commanding voice allowed him to effortlessly transition between heartfelt romantic ballads and poignant, mournful tunes. A true polymath, he sang in countless languages and dialects, mastered various instruments, graced the silver screen as an actor, composed captivating film scores, and consistently packed concert halls with his adoring fans.
His career-defining song, ‘Ya Ali,’ a powerful anthem of love and longing, gained widespread fame when it was featured in the 2006 Bollywood film ‘Gangster.’
As the playback singer for ‘Ya Ali’ – the unseen voice behind the on-screen performance – Garg’s talent was undeniable. He subsequently earned the prestigious Best Playback Singer award at the 2006 Global Indian Film Awards for his remarkable contribution.
Born in Meghalaya, a northeastern Indian state neighboring Assam, in 1972, Garg’s early life saw him attend high school and college in Assam. However, he ultimately abandoned his science degree to dedicate himself entirely to his passion for music.
His musical journey officially began in 1992 with the release of his debut album, ‘Anamika,’ when he was just 19 years old.
Throughout a career spanning nearly three decades, Garg lent his voice to thousands of songs across numerous Indian languages. Yet, the overwhelming success of ‘Ya Ali’ took even him by surprise.
Reflecting on its impact during a 2012 Indian television interview, he humbly stated, “I didn’t know it would become so big. It was good for me, too.”
For millions of his devoted fans, Garg’s voice offered solace and comfort. His music transcended boundaries, celebrating the rich diversity of a region often marked by ethnic tensions. Despite his celebrity status, he remained a grounded and approachable figure.
He notably chose to reside predominantly in Assam, a picturesque northeastern state nestled in the Himalayan foothills, rather than relocating to Mumbai, the bustling Bollywood hub on India’s opposite coast.
Garg was also known for his unwavering political stance. Alongside fellow Assamese musicians, he vocally opposed a controversial 2019 citizenship law. This legislation, promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, sparked widespread and often violent protests, with critics arguing it aimed to transform India into a Hindu-majority state while sidelining its substantial Muslim minority.
Beyond politics, he also challenged religious orthodoxy. During a 2024 concert, he openly questioned the divinity of a revered Hindu god, stating,
“Krishna is not a god. He was a man.”
This statement led to him being barred from performing in Majuli, a significant spiritual center for a Hindu sect in Assam, as reported by local media.
Details regarding his surviving family members were not immediately released.
In recognition of his profound musical contributions, Garg was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, in 2024.
Upon the repatriation of his body to Assam, an outpouring of grief saw millions accompany his procession from the airport to Guwahati’s largest stadium. Across the state, prayers and heartfelt tributes filled the air, and his beloved songs resonated from loudspeakers in bustling alleys as communities united in mourning.