The atmosphere was solemn as crowds lined the streets of Kamarkuchi on the outskirts of Guwahati, walking from the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex to the cremation ground on the morning of September 23. Fifty-two-year-old Assamese singer Zubeen Garg’s lifeless body was a reminder of their iconic musician whose melodies traversed international borders and imprinted the spirit of the northeast.
‘Nijanor Gaan Mor, Xekh Hobo Bhabo Tumar Bukut (My own song, will learn to live in your heart), the lyrics of ‘Mayabini’ from the 2001 Assamese film Daag echoed through the heavy hearts of Assamese, just as Garg had wished—he had said when the film debuted and later during live shows that when he passed away, “Assam should sing this song”.
Garg’s Bollywood stint included Dil Se.., Vaastav, Fiza, Asoka, Kaante, Krrish 3 and, perhaps most famously, Gangster’s ‘Ya Ali’. He also worked on Bengali films like Tumi Asbe Bole, Ei Mon Tomake Dilam, Chirodini Tumi Je Amar and Mon Mane Na.
The sea of people at Garg’s funeral was unprecedented, something that Assam had not seen in decades. Former Assam director general of police H.K. Deka said the turnout was spontaneous. “People waited at the airport,” he said. “It took five hours for the ambulance get to his house from the airport as people were following the ambulance.” He said there were tight security arrangements, but the people were disciplined. “It was a sign of their love for him,” said Deka. “[They] knew that nothing untoward should happen. I have seen many gatherings and funerals, but this was peaceful [even] with lakhs of people.”
Garg was given state honours with a 21-gun salute after two autopsies were conducted—one in Singapore and one in Assam—to rule out foul play. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Assam Speaker Biswajit Daimary and former Assam chief minister and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal were present to bid him farewell.
Solemn farewell: The crowd at Garg’s funeral procession | PTI
Along with his family, Garg’s precious dogs—Iko, Diya, Rambo and Maya—offered their final goodbye. His wife, Garima Saikia Garg, was inconsolable.
The tragedy unfolded during Garg’s Singapore visit for the fourth edition of the North East India Festival. He was to perform on September 20. But, on September 19, he died after getting seizures during a scuba diving adventure. A theory that Garg had gone underwater without a life jacket was refuted by his wife. She also mentioned that he had suffered seizures on several occasions in the past.
The event organisers said some local Assamese took Garg to an island on a yacht without informing them. They added that after the mishap he was rushed to Singapore General Hospital, but died after two hours in the ICU. His death triggered outrage online, with fans demanding cancellation of the festival, leading organisers to call off the event as a mark of respect.
For Assam, Garg was more than a singer—his songs bound a generation. Sarma said on X that Garg’s music spoke to the emotions of Assamese and reflected the state’s diversity, his bravado was legendary and he was one of the most helpful and kindest souls to walk on this planet. “Zubeen will live forever...” he said.
Assam DGP Harmeet Singh said: “To some, he was a brother; to others, a son, an idol, or simply a voice that echoed what their hearts felt. Zubeen Da, as he was popularly called, rules the hearts of the people of Assam. For me, the feelings are personal and surreal, as I had the privilege of celebrating the life of Assam’s beloved Zubeen, with each member of Assam Police; walking alongside a sea of humanity...”
Assam DGP Harmeet Singh (in fatigues), with other officers at the funeral
Internationally acclaimed conflict theorist and bestselling author Jaideep Saikia said: “Zubeen Garg was the highest in the hierarchy of singers in Assam after Bhupen Hazarika.” He added that Garg touched everyone, from rich to poor, old and young. “Everyone could relate to his songs,” said Saikia. “He was the champion of the downtrodden and the wronged. One of the aspects I want to highlight about Garg is his courage, integrity and love for sheer existence. His sense of independence was particularly endearing for the student of national security in me. He saw himself as a ‘world citizen’ who viewed music beyond the shackles of language.”
Deka said that despite being surrounded by affluent businessmen, Garg genuinely had love for all people. He recollected an incident where the singer took in a young boy from a tea garden, gave him shelter and his surname. Garg would meet and connect with ordinary people at odd times, like at night at tea stalls. “He was a very different person, with his bohemian style,” said Deka. “He was the Michael Jackson of Assam.”
Garg sang more than 38,000 songs and for Deka the devotional songs stood out. “I have gone for his stage shows, but mostly I listen to his songs at home, especially his devotional songs in the morning, which are calming,” he said.
Another fan, Lalit Das, who works in a private firm, said: “He sang in more than 44 languages and played various musical instruments, including tabla, guitar, keyboard, harmonium and the traditional Assamese dhol. He belonged to Jorhat and had good knowledge of music. We have seen his stage performances during the festival of Bihu.” Das also said that Garg ate with the local people at stalls. “Anyone was able to meet him, there were no restrictions,” said Das. “He also helped people in Jorhat and Guwahati with food during the pandemic.”
For now, his fans everywhere grieve. But, the soulful notes and fond memories of Garg are sure to remain evergreen.
