The sudden demise of singer Zubeen Garg on September 19, 2025, has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of thousands of his admirers and followers. Witnessing thousands fill up the streets of Assam to pay their last respects, shows the depth of impact the singer had on their lives- socially, culturally as well as politically.
(Courtesy: Instagram/zubeen.garg)
A Voice that resonated with the masses
Known nationwide for his Bollywood hit ‘Ya Ali’ from Gangster, Zubeen was much more than a single song. Across multiple genres and languages, he recorded over 38,000 songs, captivating listeners across generations. His songs reflected his love for his state, its people and its culture.
“His home was always open to art and artists and anyone could come and go. For me, Zubeen da is my home, my whole childhood, and pride of Assam” said his neighbour, Kaushika Goswami. Zubeen blurred the lines between an artist and audience by living as one among them. “He loved being around people,” said a native of the state.
Singer with a Political Voice
Zubeen’s role was not confined to music and entertainment alone. He openly expressed his political views, challenging the ones in power, spreading awareness on social issues, questioning religious rituals and also, played a prominent role in unifying the people of Assam.
(Courtesy: X/@zubeengarg1)
He partook in protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), explicitly opposing the Act and inspired people to do the same in a peaceful manner. Guided by his influence, he united and mobilized the youths of the state to protest against the Act, encouraging peaceful demonstrations amid widespread unrest in the state.
Zubeen’s philosophy lies in his words printed on the cover page of Dainik Asam Newspaper post his death: “I don’t have any caste, I don’t have any religion, I don’t have any God, I am free.” His music wasn’t solely meant for entertainment; it mirrored his ideals and expressed his outlook on life. He was known to have celebrated life through his art.
Fury that followed grief
With FIRs being filed and a probe being requested by Zubeen’s family, his mourning fans flooded the streets with banners that read ‘Justice for Zubeen’. Suspicions surrounding his death have sparked intense rage and anger among his admirers, who are seen calling for clarity and accountability in the matter.
Candlelight march by people across the state seeking a fair probe (Source: X/@i_am_mumtaz)
Satarupa Borkakati, a neighbour of Zubeen, alleged, “He was treated as a machine by his managers and we want justice.” These remain allegations, with nothing yet proven in the court of law. However, Assam police have filed an FIR against the singer’s personal manager, Siddharth Sharma and the organiser of the Singapore event, Shyamkanu Mahanta, on murder charges under Section 103 of BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).
The people of Assam refuse to let their questions go unanswered and are demanding that the truth be brought to light.
Zubeen, often called ‘the son of the state,’ became a figure who brought a shared sense of identity among the people of Assam. His death is a loss for the ones who found their voice in his humanitarian spirit, and for a state who saw him as an embodiment of Assam’s cultural unity.
- Mira Road vendors ahead MBMC elections - January 13, 2026
- Tarren Mendonca: Youngest INC Candidate Taking Forward a Political Legacy – MBMC Elections 2026 - January 9, 2026
- Stories packed in cloth bags: A glimpse into the lives that reach the courts - December 12, 2025