Guwahati: Superstar Assamese and Bollywood singer Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore after a scuba diving mishap. He was rescued from the sea and taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead at the age of 53.
Assam came into a standstill situation after the news of singer Zubeen’s demise spread like a wildfire across the state. Zubeen who is described as Heartthrob in Assam sang over 30,000 of songs in 40 different Indian languages including Assamese, Bengali, Hindi and others in his over three decades of music career. Born on November 18, 1972 the superstar also created many popular Assamese movies. Describing his demise as a loss to the state, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote a long post in his social media handle. He wrote, “Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am at a loss of words to describe what Zubeen meant for Assam. He has gone too early, this was not an age to go.
Zubeen’s voice had an unmatched ability to energise people and his music spoke directly to our minds and souls. He has left a void that will never be filled.”
Describing Zubeen as a mass singer the CM wrote, “Our future generations will remember him as a stalwart of Assam’s culture, and his works will inspire many more talented artists in the days and years to come.
Beyond his music, his connection with people and passion for helping them will always be remembered. I will greatly cherish all my interactions with him.
That magical voice has forever gone silent. Tragic beyond words!
I grieve with my fellow citizens on the passing away of Zubeen. Rest well, Zubeen! You will always be Assam’s favourite rockstar.”
Starting his music career in 1992 with an Assamese album, Zubeen lent his voice to many Hindi movies, over 100 Assamese and Bengali movies. Zubeen Garg’s modern Assamese songs, numerous Bihu songs and devotional songs like Bargeer, Lok Geet, Bingeet, Tukari Geet etc are like a lifeline for crores of people in Assam.
CM Sarma cancelled all his official engagements and BTC election campaigns and rushed to Guwahati. The Assam cabinet will meet in the evening in Dispur to decide on the last rite of the popular figure. CM Sarma talked to the Indian High Commissioner in Singapore where his body is in a government hospital. His mortal remains will be brought back to Assam on 20th September and his last rite will be concluded with full state honour.
