Tragic Accident in Singapore Claims Zubeen Garg’s Life
While attending the North East Festival in Singapore, Zubeen Garg met with a tragic accident during a scubadiving session. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and admitted to the ICU. Despite doctors’ immediate efforts, his condition deteriorated, and the iconic singer could not be revived. The incident has sent shockwaves across Assam and the Indian music fraternity, leaving millions of fans grieving the untimely loss of their beloved artist.
Zubeen Garg, often called the Voice of Assam, is one of India’s most versatile and celebrated singers. Known for his soulful voice and multi-genre adaptability, Zubeen has worked in more than 40 languages, spanning Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Bodo, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and many more. His song “Ya Ali” from the Bollywood film Gangster (2006) catapulted him to national fame, but his roots in Assamese music make him an icon in the Northeast.
While he has faced several health issues and hospitalizations, none of them have been fatal. This article explores Zubeen Garg’s early life, family, career milestones, achievements, and the truth about his health.
Early Life and Family Background
- Full Name: Zubeen Borthakur (popularly known as Zubeen Garg)
- Date of Birth: 18 November 1972
- Birthplace: Jorhat, Assam, India
Parents and Influence
His mother, Ily Borthakur, was a classical singer who encouraged him to pursue music.
His father, Mohini Mohon Borthakur (pen name Kapil Thakur), was a poet, lyricist, and government magistrate.
This strong artistic environment nurtured Zubeen’s passion for music from an early age.
Siblings
Jonkey Borthakur, his younger sister, was a popular singer and actress who tragically passed away in a road accident in 2002. Her death deeply affected Zubeen’s life and career.
Another sister, Dr. Palme Borthakur, is a well-known academic.
Marriage
In 2002, Zubeen Garg married Garima Saikia, a fashion designer from Golaghat, Assam. The couple is widely admired in Assamese cultural circles.
Education
Zubeen studied at Tamulpur Higher Secondary School and later enrolled in B. Borooah College, Guwahati for a Bachelor of Science. However, he dropped out to fully dedicate himself to music — a decision that would shape the future of Assamese and Indian music.
Musical Career: From Local Talent to National Fame
Beginnings in Assamese Music (1990s)
Zubeen’s debut Assamese album “Anamika” (1992) was a huge success.
Other early albums include Xapunor Xur (1992), Junaki Mon (1993), Maya (1994), Asha (1995), and Ujan Piriti (Bihu album).
These albums made him a household name in Assam and the Northeast.
Bollywood Breakthrough (2000s)
His national recognition came with the song “Ya Ali” from Gangster (2006). The song was a chartbuster across India and abroad.
Later hits included “Dil Tu Hi Bataa” from Krrish 3, among many others.
Multilingual Versatility
Zubeen has sung in:
- Assamese
- Hindi
- Bengali
- Bodo
- Nepali
- Marathi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Oriya
And over 30 more languages and dialects
This linguistic versatility makes him one of India’s most prolific singers.
Acting and Filmmaking
Zubeen has acted in Assamese films like Mon Jai (2008) and Mission China (2017).
He directed and composed for Mission China, which became one of the highest-grossing Assamese films.
Achievements and Awards
- National Recognition: His song “Ya Ali” earned him global fame.
- Film Awards: Multiple awards from Assam and Northeast film industries.
- Cultural Impact: Modernized Assamese folk music, popularized Bihu songs, and gave regional music national exposure.
- Social Work: Donated extensively to flood victims, supported COVID-19 relief, and opened his house for public use during crises.
- Assam’s Highest Paid Singer: Zubeen is considered one of the most commercially successful artists from the Northeast.
Health Issues and Death
Over the last few years, Zubeen Garg has faced several health scares, which fueled false death rumors:
July 2022 – Suffered a head injury after a fall in a hotel washroom in Dibrugarh. He had a seizure but later recovered after being airlifted to Guwahati.
November 2023 – Collapsed in a Guwahati recording studio; admitted to ICU at Nemcare Hospital. He was discharged after a few days in stable condition.
July 2024 – Hospitalized briefly in Guwahati; doctors confirmed he was stable.
Fact Check
As of 19th September 2025, Legendary singer Zubeen Garg has passed away. His health suddenly worsened while he was in Singapore to attend the North East Festival. During a paragliding activity, he reportedly suffered a medical emergency and was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU. Despite efforts, he could not be saved.
Legacy of Zubeen Garg
Zubeen Garg is more than just a singer; he is an emotion for Assam and the Northeast. His journey from a small-town boy in Jorhat to a national icon reflects his talent, dedication, and versatility. He has:
- Revived Assamese folk music with modern influences
- Given Assamese youth a global cultural identity
- Proven that regional artists can dominate national platforms
Conclusion
Zubeen Garg’s life story is one of passion, resilience, and inspiration. Despite health challenges and personal tragedies, he continues to be a force in the Indian music industry. .
"যাৰ গান শুনিলে সাহস পাওঁ, যাৰ গান শুনি শুনি বেয়া পৰিস্থিতিৰ লগতো সাহসেৰে যুজি যাওঁ । যাৰ গান শুনিলে মনৰ উদাৰতা দূৰ হয়, সেইজন মহান ব্যক্তি আজি আৰু নাই ।"
As fans, it’s important to celebrate his music, achievements, and contributions. Zubeen Garg remains a legend — and his voice will continue to echo across generations.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Zubeen Garg
Q1. Who is Zubeen Garg?
Zubeen Garg was a legendary Indian playback singer, music director, composer, songwriter, and actor, primarily known for his contributions to Assamese and Bollywood music.
Q2. Is Zubeen Garg dead?
There have been news reports about Zubeen Garg’s death in Singapore. And yes, He the Legend is no more.
Q3. When was Zubeen Garg born?
Zubeen Garg was born on 18 November 1972 in Tura, Meghalaya, India.
Q4. What was Zubeen Garg’s first popular song?
His breakthrough came with the Assamese album “Anamika” (1992) and later with the Bollywood hit “Ya Ali” (Gangster, 2006).
Q5. How many songs did Zubeen Garg sing in his career?
He recorded more than 40,000 songs in multiple languages including Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Nepali.
Q6. What awards did Zubeen Garg win?
Zubeen received the Best Playback Singer (Assam State Film Awards), Global Indian Film Award, and multiple recognitions for his contribution to Indian music.
Q7. Who are Zubeen Garg’s family members?
He was married to Gargi Bharadwaj. His sister, Zublee Baruah, is also a popular singer.
Q8. What are some famous songs of Zubeen Garg?
Some of his most iconic songs include “Ya Ali” (Gangster), “Dil Tu Hi Bataa” (Krrish 3), “Pakeeza”, “Mayabini”, and countless Assamese hits.
Q9. Did Zubeen Garg act in films too?
Yes, he acted in several Assamese films such as “Mission China”, “Dinabandhu”, "Mon Jai" and others where he was also the music director.
Q10. What is Zubeen Garg’s legacy?
He is remembered as the Voice of Northeast India, who brought Assamese music to Bollywood and inspired millions through his versatile artistry.
