Assam Mourns the Loss of Zubeen Garg, Prince of Melody
by Nava Thakuria
The heartbreaking news from Singapore stunned Assam and the Northeast, plunging millions into mourning. Iconic singer Zubeen Garg, often called the prince of melody, had passed away — leaving behind not just grief, but also anger and unanswered questions.
Social media was soon flooded with outrage. Many asked why Zubeen, who had been unwell for months, was taken abroad to perform at the North East India Festival in Singapore (19–21 September 2025). Videos of him swimming in the sea without a life-jacket — despite doctors in Guwahati advising him to avoid fire and water — only deepened the unease.
For nearly five days, Assam came to a standstill. Markets remained closed, streets deserted, and makeshift memorials with life-size portraits sprung up across towns. Newspapers dedicated front pages to him, while television channels ran round-the-clock coverage. From Guwahati airport to his Kahilipara residence, tens of thousands thronged the streets in grief. Many wept aloud, questioning why their beloved Zubeen had to “die in the sea, far from his motherland.”
Born on 18 November 1972 in Tura, Meghalaya, to Mohini Mohon Borthakur (pen-name Kapil Thakur) and classical singer Ily Borthakur, Zubeen was named Jiban Borthakur. He lost his sister Jonkey in a road accident years ago, while his other sister Palme continues to live in Guwahati. Married to fashion designer Garima Saikia since 2002, Zubeen achieved national fame with his soulful Ya Ali track in the Bollywood film Gangster (2006).
But Zubeen’s legacy stretched far beyond Bollywood. An animal lover, philanthropist, and versatile genius, he sang thousands of songs in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and other languages. He mastered multiple instruments, acted in and produced Assamese films, and was the star attraction at Bihu celebrations for decades. His work earned him countless awards and the enduring love of people across the Northeast.
Confusion marked his final hours. Singapore’s leading daily The Straits Times reported on 19 September that Zubeen was rescued from the sea after a freak accident and rushed to Singapore General Hospital. Despite intensive care, doctors could not save him. Back home, police complaints were filed in Assam, demanding accountability for the circumstances leading to his death.
His mortal remains were received by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in New Delhi and flown to Guwahati on 21 September. A flower-decked ambulance carried him through unprecedented crowds to his home and later to Sarusajai Stadium, where his body lay in a glass casket for public homage. On 23 September, Zubeen was cremated with full state honours at Kamarkuchi near Guwahati, as chants of “Zubeen Garg will live forever” echoed in the air.
For many, the grief recalled the passing of Dr Bhupen Hazarika in 2011. With Zubeen’s death, Assam lost another cultural titan whose music transcended boundaries.
Goodbye, prince of melody… your songs will forever live in the hearts of Asomiyas.
