Zubeen Garg’s sister: Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, who was celebrated in a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore, passed away. 52 -year -old Garg, who sang the famous Bollywood number ‘or Ali’ from the Gangster film and was known for his powerful voice, was the most influential music artist in Assam.
The grief over the untimely death of Zubine gets deep, remembering the tragedy that was his family decades ago. In 2002, his younger sister, Zonkki Bartakur, who herself was a talented singer and actor, died in a road accident in Assam at just 18 years of age.
Story behind Zubeen Garg’s name
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Zubine Garg, originally named Zubine Borthakur, was born in 1972 in a Assamese Brahmin family in Tura, Meghalaya, which was deeply contained in music. His father, Mohini Mohan Borthakur, was also a magistrate, a lyricist and poet by profession, who wrote in the name of Kapil Thakur, while his mother, Ily Borthakur was a singer.
His first name, Zubeen, was chosen in a tribute to India’s global famous conductor Zubin Mehta, which was observed for the leadership of Israel Philharmanic Orchestra, New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic. For Zubeen’s family, the name was a tribute to artistry and ambition, which reflects his own deep love for music.
Later, instead of continuing his parents’ surname Borthakur, he adopted the title ‘Garg’, his Brahmin Gotra. This option gave him a unique identity – a one that balances global motivation with Assamese tradition.
PM Modi expresses condolences
Singer Zubeen Garg was to attend the North East Festival in Singapore and was to perform later that day.
According to ANI, the Northeast India Festival issued a statement that confirmed that Garg developed the difficulties of making severe breathing during the scuba diving. He was immediately given a CPR before being taken to the General Hospital in Singapore. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared dead in the ICU around 2:30 pm, ‘the statement said.
His untimely demise has left fans, Assamese community and industry in deep shock, which has a tribute.
In a post on X, PM Modi expressed condolences on Garg’s death and said that he would be remembered for his rich contribution to music.
The Prime Minister said, “Surprised by the sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg. He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music. He was very popular among people in all areas of his life. Consade to his family and fans.
Surprised by the sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg. He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music. His presentation was very popular among people in all areas of life. Condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti. – Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 19, 2025
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