The demise of one of the nation’s most beloved singers, Zubeen Garg, has left a void in the Indian music industry that will be difficult to fill. His sudden passing not only devastated millions of admirers but also reminded us of the many gifted voices who left their musical journeys incomplete, leaving behind fans yearning to hear more from them.Zubeen Garg, who was born as Zubeen Borthakur, was a musical prodigy whose life was filled with remarkable unknown facts. Not many may know that he adopted the surname Garg in honor of his mother, Ila Garg, who, along with his father and noted writer Mohini Borthakur (Kapil Thakur), shaped his artistic upbringing. Zubeen began composing as a schoolboy and released his first hit Assamese album, Anamika, as a teenager. Interestingly, even his name Zubeen was a tribute to an ace singer Zubeen Mehta.
God-gifted Zubeen Garg
A true multi-instrumentalist, he mastered over 12 instruments and went on to record an astonishing 20,000–40,000 songs across languages, making him one of India’s most prolific singers. His Bollywood breakthrough song, ‘Ya Ali’ from ‘Gangster,’ was famously recorded in a single take. Beyond singing, he directed and acted in the Assamese blockbuster ‘Mission China,’ composed for Bollywood films, and built one of the Northeast’s largest personal music archives. Despite his flamboyant screen persona, Zubeen was deeply spiritual and loved animals, often rescuing strays.Zubeen’s wife Garima Saikia shared an emotional social media post as she misses her beloved husband. We look back at the artists whose lives ended far too early, voices that once defined eras and still echo in the hearts of listeners.
Zubeen Garg passed away at the age of 52
Zubeen Garg, one of India’s most versatile and prolific singers, passed away on September 19, 2025 at the age of 52 in a tragic drowning incident while scuba diving in Singapore. Speaking to ETimes, singer
Madhushree Bhattacharya
, who has songs, namely ‘Neem Neem’ from ‘Saathiya’ and ‘Radha So Ja Zara’ from ‘Baahubali,’ and more to her credit, remembered him with deep affection. “Zubeen Garg touched souls across generations with his voice. He left too soon. We both participated in the musical reality show ‘Jhoom India.’ He was soft-spoken, introverted, and kind-hearted. It’s a great loss to the music industry.”
Ongoing Investigation Into Zubeen Garg’s Death
The investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death continues, involving both Singaporean authorities and Assam Police.A Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) has been invoked between the two countries to facilitate evidence sharing. On November 15, 2025, a YouTuber was arrested for illegally uploading clips from Zubeen’s posthumous film ‘Roi Roi Binale.’ Assam Police officials have travelled to Singapore to coordinate with their counterparts. Singapore Police have briefed them on the progress and procedures of the case.
KK (Krishnakumar Kunnath) passed away at the age of 53
One of India’s most cherished playback singers, KK died on May 31, 2022, after suffering a cardiac arrest following a live concert in Kolkata. His youthful, soulful voice defined an entire generation. His songs, namely ‘Pal,’ ‘Yaaro,’ and ‘Tu Hi Meri Shab,’ will remain etched in hearts.
Sidhu Moose Wala passed away at the age of 28
A cultural phenomenon in Punjabi music, Sidhu Moose Wala was shot dead on May 29, 2022, in a shocking incident linked to gang rivalry. His influence, swagger, and lyrical style continue to inspire millions worldwide.The 1980s Punjabi music legend, along with his wife Amarjot, was assassinated on March 8, 1988. His life and tragic end were recently revisited in a biographical film starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra.The celebrated Bollywood composer and singer lost his battle with cancer in 2015. His evergreen hits ‘Kya Ada Kya Jalwa Tere Paon Ka,’ ‘Haathon Mein Aaya Jo Kal,’ ‘Shava Shava,’ and more continue to remain favorites.Sandeep Acharya passed away at the age of 29: Winner of Indian Idol Season 2, he passed away from liver complications, cutting short a promising musical journey just as fame had begun to embrace him.Known for ‘Gal Dil Di,’ the Punjabi singer collapsed while performing on stage in 2006 and died of a sudden heart attack.Renowned for his powerful vocal style and unparalleled ability to hold long notes, Bindrakhia died of a heart attack in 2003.A beloved actor and folk singer from South India, Kalabhavan Mani died under controversial circumstances in 2016, leaving fans across Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu cinema grieving.
