Death of Zubeen Garg, voice behind ‘Ya Ali’ from Gangster, shocks cultural world

The sudden death of renowned musician Zubeen Garg has left the film industry and the people of Assam in deep shock. A revered cultural icon, Garg passed away following an accident in Singapore. According to reports by PTI, the singer was on a yacht trip with members of the local Assamese community when the tragic incident occurred.

Initial speculation pointed to a scuba diving mishap. However, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified on Friday that Garg drowned while swimming without a life jacket. An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday, after which his mortal remains are expected to be flown back to Assam in the evening. The Assam government has declared a three-day state mourning in honor of the legendary artist and has also announced a formal probe into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Zubeen Garg’s music legacy
Zubeen Garg rose to national fame with the hauntingly soulful Ya Ali from the 2006 film Gangster, starring Emraan Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut. The track, composed by Pritam with lyrics by Sayeed Quadri, became a cult hit and is still regarded as one of the most memorable Hindi film songs of the 2000s. Another notable contribution includes Dil Tu Hi Bata from the superhero film Krrish 3, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Kangana Ranaut. Garg’s vocal prowess wasn’t confined to Bollywood. He lent his voice to songs in over 40 languages and dialects, making him one of India’s most versatile singers. Known for his distinctive humming and emotive renditions, he earned the nickname ‘Humming King’ among fans.

Assam’s cultural icon
Garg's influence in Assamese music was unparalleled. His debut album Anamika, released in 1993, was a massive hit and featured enduring chartbusters like Anuradha, Niyoré, and Mugdha Hiya Mor. Songs like Pokhi Pokhi Bideshik further cemented his place as a beloved figure in Assamese music and culture. Zubeen Garg’s sister Jongki, an accomplished actor-singer, tragically lost her life in a road accident 23 years ago. Zubeen is survived by his wife Garima, his brother Palme Borthakur, and his father Mohini Mohan Borthakur.