Legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, celebrated for his Bollywood hits like Ya Ali (Gangster), Dilruba (Namastey London), and Dil Tu Hi Bata (Krrish 3), passed away on September 19, 2025, in Singapore following a swimming accident.
Despite early career opportunities in Mumbai, Zubeen Garg famously turned down extended Bollywood projects, citing the city’s chaos and attitude. In a candid interview with POP Pavelopedia, Garg explained, “Mumbai has more attitude, and to get rid of that, I asked them to come here. I will die here [in Assam] like a king. I still have a home in Mumbai, but I don’t like the chaos. It’s just too much.”
His decision was influenced not only by Mumbai’s environment but also by his experiences in Assam during turbulent times, including pressures from the banned militant outfit ULFA-I. Garg emphasized self-respect and dedication to his roots: “I don’t have an attitude—it’s self-respect. I live here like a king. I always say, ‘A king should never leave his kingdom, because when the king leaves, he is no more.’”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the State Government will conduct an inquiry into the singer’s death in Singapore. He confirmed that Garg, 52, died while swimming without a life jacket during a yacht trip with 18 people and was later found floating in the sea. The post-mortem was completed in Singapore, and the mortal remains will be repatriated to Assam.
The singer’s mortal remains will be kept at Sarusajai Multi-Sports Stadium in Guwahati for fans and well-wishers to pay their tributes. The public viewing is expected to be a major event, and authorities will announce the date and timing shortly.
Zubeen Garg’s decision to prioritize Assam over Bollywood, coupled with his untimely death, has left a deep void in the state’s cultural and musical landscape, with tributes pouring in from fans, artists, and political leaders alike.
