Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday remembered iconic Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in the 126th episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, describing him as a cultural torchbearer of Assam whose music left an indelible imprint on the hearts of millions.
“People are mourning the untimely demise of Zubeen Garg. He was a renowned singer who made his mark across the country. He had a deep connection with Assamese culture. Zubeen Garg will always remain in our memories, and his music will continue to enchant generations to come,” the Prime Minister said.
Earlier this month, Modi had also expressed shock over the singer’s sudden death in Singapore, calling him a “popular singer who will be remembered for his rich contribution to music.” In a condolence message shared on X (formerly Twitter), he had written: “His renditions were very popular among people across all walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Born in 1972 in Tura, Meghalaya, and raised in Assam, Zubeen Garg became one of the most celebrated figures in India’s music industry, especially in the Northeast. He was best known for his versatility—singing in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and several other languages—and for his ability to blend folk traditions with contemporary music. His 2002 Bollywood track Ya Ali from the film Gangster shot him to national fame, but his legacy in Assam was already firmly established with hits like O Bondhu Jona.
Over the years, Garg emerged not only as a singer but also as a composer, lyricist, and actor, deeply tied to Assamese identity. His music often carried themes of love, nature, and the socio-political realities of the Northeast.
Zubeen Garg passed away on September 19 in Singapore after an alleged drowning incident during his visit to perform at the Northeast India Festival. His body was flown to Delhi before being brought to Guwahati, where lakhs gathered to pay their respects. His final rites were performed on September 23 in his native Kamarkuchi village, with full state honours. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and several prominent leaders were present, as was a large crowd of fans who had followed his career for decades.
Meanwhile, the Assam Crime Investigation Department (CID) has launched a probe into Garg’s sudden death. A case (No. 18/2025) has been registered under Sections 61(2)/105/106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Last week, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Assam Police conducted raids at the residences of several individuals linked to the Northeast India Festival, including Shyamkanu Mahanta, the main organiser, as well as Zubeen’s manager Siddharth Sharma and his close associate, musician Sekhar Jyoti Goswami. Investigators seized electronic devices, documents, and other materials as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Zubeen’s family has also lodged a formal complaint with the CID, accusing his manager of negligence.
The singer’s passing has triggered an outpouring of grief across Assam and beyond, with fans, artists, and politicians describing it as a void that can never be filled. His music, however, continues to echo—be it in the fields and towns of Assam or among the Assamese diaspora worldwide.
As Prime Minister Modi underlined in his address, “Zubeen Garg’s songs will continue to inspire and enchant generations.”