Zubeen Garg — (18 November 1972 – Forever)
Zubeen Garg (18 November 1972 – 19 September 2025) was more than just a singer — he was the heartbeat of Assam. A musician, actor, filmmaker, environmentalist, and social activist, Zubeen’s journey from a small-town boy to a cultural legend is a story of immense passion, creativity, and courage. His tragic death in 2025 left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of millions, and the ongoing SIT enquiry still seeks to uncover the truth behind his final days.
Early Life and Background
Born on 18 November 1972 in Tura, Meghalaya, and raised in Jorhat, Assam, Zubeen came from an artistic Assamese family. His father, Mohini Mohan Borthakur, a lyricist and poet known by the pen name Kapil Thakur, and his mother, Ily Borthakur, a singer, deeply influenced his early artistic sensibilities.
Named after world-renowned conductor Zubin Mehta, Zubeen began training in tabla under Pandit Robin Banerjee and learned classical and folk music from a young age. He studied at Carmel School, Karimganj High School, and Tamulpur Higher Secondary School, and later joined B. Borooah College, but left midway to follow his passion for music.
Rise in Music: From Assamese Roots to National Stardom
Zubeen burst into the Assamese music scene with his debut album “Anamika” (1992), which became a massive success. His soulful and innovative compositions transformed the modern Assamese music landscape.
Over the next three decades, Zubeen recorded more than 38,000 songs in over 40 languages, including Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, Tamil, Telugu, Bodo, Karbi, and Manipuri — one of the highest numbers in Indian music history.
His Bollywood breakthrough came in 2006 with “Ya Ali” from the movie Gangster, which became an all-time blockbuster hit. This song catapulted him to national fame, yet he continued to remain deeply rooted in Assamese culture.
His music blended emotion and energy, touching themes of love, rebellion, spirituality, and social awakening. Songs like Mayabini Rat, Ei Mon, and Bhal Pabo Najanilu became eternal classics in every Assamese home.
A Multifaceted Artist
Zubeen was a man of boundless creativity — a composer, lyricist, actor, director, and producer. His contribution to Assamese cinema is immense, with notable films such as “Mission China,” “Mon Jai,” “Tumi Mur Mathu Mur,” and “Kanchanjangha.” He directed and scored music for many of his own films, making him one of the most complete artists of his generation.
His live performances were electrifying — spontaneous, emotional, and full of love for his fans. Every concert of his felt like a festival of unity. To his admirers, he was not just a celebrity but a voice of their identity and pride.
An Animal Lover, Nature Guardian, and Activist
Beyond music, Zubeen Garg was known for his compassion toward all living beings. He was a passionate animal lover and received recognition from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) for his advocacy against animal cruelty.
He frequently rescued stray dogs and cats, cared for injured animals, and encouraged his fans to adopt pets instead of buying them.
Zubeen was also an ardent nature lover and environmentalist. He often raised his voice against deforestation and illegal tree cutting in Assam, urging the government and the public to protect the state’s natural heritage. He believed nature was inseparable from Assam’s soul.
As a social activist, Zubeen stood up for people’s rights and public causes. He was one of the strongest voices in Assam’s anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) movement, performing at protest venues and using his platform to amplify the people’s concerns. He spoke against injustice, unemployment, corruption, and any issue that affected the dignity of ordinary citizens.
Through his activism, Zubeen showed that art and social responsibility could coexist — and that a true artist stands with his people.
Tragic Death in Singapore
On 19 September 2025, Zubeen Garg tragically passed away in Singapore after reportedly suffering a medical emergency while swimming or scuba diving. Despite prompt medical attention, he could not be revived.
Singapore authorities conducted a post-mortem and toxicology test, officially listing drowning as the cause of death. However, inconsistencies and unanswered questions led to widespread shock, suspicion, and heartbreak among fans.
The Assam Government declared three days of state mourning as his body was brought home on 21 September 2025, marking one of the largest public mourning events in the state’s history.
Two Days of Public Tribute
Zubeen’s mortal remains were kept for two days at Nehru Stadium, Guwahati, for fans to pay their last respects. Over a million people gathered — singing his songs, holding candles, and shedding tears. The air echoed with chants of “Zubeen da amar rahe!” (Long live Zubeen da).
The entire state united in grief. People traveled from distant towns and villages, and schools, offices, and markets came to a halt as Assam mourned its musical son.
Final Journey and Resting Place at Sonapur
Zubeen’s last rites were performed on 23 September 2025 at Sonapur, on the outskirts of Guwahati. His cremation site was later renamed “Zubeen Kshetra”, now a memorial complex that attracts thousands of visitors every single day.
Fans visit Zubeen Kshetra to offer flowers, light lamps, and sing his songs. It has become a sacred space where people feel his presence — a symbol of eternal love between Zubeen and Assam.
SIT Enquiry and Ongoing Investigation
In response to public demand for justice, the Assam Police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the CID to probe Zubeen’s death. The SIT coordinated with Singaporean authorities to obtain all official documents, including the autopsy and toxicology reports, which arrived in Assam in late October 2025.
By early November, the CID confirmed that it was analyzing all available evidence, and the SIT is expected to file its chargesheet by mid-December 2025. Several associates and event organizers connected to Zubeen’s final trip have been interrogated.
Authorities also issued warnings against circulating fake post-mortem reports or misinformation, emphasizing that strict legal action will follow any attempt to spread falsehoods.
Public Reaction and Cultural Impact
Zubeen’s death brought Assam to a standstill. Candlelight vigils, tribute concerts, and memorial events took place across the Northeast. Artists, politicians, and fans from all walks of life remembered him not just for his music, but for his heart.
From the banks of the Brahmaputra to the hills of Arunachal, his songs still play — in taxis, markets, and homes — as if he never left. Walls across Assam bear murals of his smiling face with the words, “Zubeen da lives forever.”
Legacy: The Voice That Will Never Fade
In just over five decades, Zubeen Garg created an immortal legacy — over 38,000 songs in 40+ languages, dozens of films, countless concerts, and above all, a cultural awakening for Assam.
He was an artist, an activist, an animal lover, and a humanitarian — a man who sang for the people, stood with them, and lived among them.
Though his life ended too soon, his voice continues to echo — in every song, every protest, every tree he tried to save, and every rescued animal that found love because of him.
At Zubeen Kshetra, thousands still whisper his name every day — proof that the melody of Zubeen Garg will never die.
Data Source: Internet
0 Comments
Please do not enter any Spam Link in the comment box.