Zubeen Garg passed away at the age of 52 on 19 September while in Singapore to participate in the North East Festival, plunging his state and fans into inconsolable mourning. Garg – a prodigy and versatile artist-singer, composer, director, and actor – sang in over 40 languages and dialects. Already widely famous in the Northeast and Assam, he gained nationwide fame with the hit song ‘Ya Ali’, winning a string of awards.
Garg was an icon in Assam, with widespread fan clubs and a musical influence that spanned generations. His debut Assamese album, ‘Anamika’, remains immensely popular even today. Though he carved a niche in Bollywood, his heart always remained in Assam, where he acted in numerous films and series and produced music – his true genius.
Garg was outspoken on political and social issues, notably defying the ULFA’s ban on Hindi songs and leading protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He also ran the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, a charity that supported social causes, particularly aiding flood victims in Assam.
With his passing, Assam has lost one of its brightest stars, and so has the Northeast, as he was a true ambassador for the region, always acknowledging the love and respect he received from the people. The void in the creative landscape of Assam and beyond will be difficult to fill, as his untimely departure has left an irreplaceable gap.