Zubeen Garg was a popular and beloved star. He was not only a singer, actor, music composer, and filmmaker, but also a kind-hearted person. He helped many people in Northeast India by doing social work. He adopted poor children, supported people during disasters through his trust, and even turned his home into a COVID-19 care centre to help patients.
He is often called the “first true rockstar of Assam” and is known as a legendary singer-composer and philanthropist. He sadly passed away on 19 September 2025 in Singapore after a diving accident.
After his shocking death, let’s take a closer look at some little-known facts and the life story of this iconic Assamese singer, lovingly known as “Hiyar Amothu” (heart’s core).
Zubeen Garg Childhood, Parents and Early Education
Zubeen Garg had a simple and active childhood. He grew up in a culturally rich Assamese family. Because of his father’s transferable job as a magistrate, his family moved to different places before finally settling in Jorhat.
His father, Mohini Mohan Borthakur, is a former Assam Civil Service (ACS) officer, magistrate, poet, and lyricist. His mother, Ily Borthakur, was a singer, which inspired him from a young age.
Zubeen developed an interest in music early life. he started learning musical instruments like tabla and harmonium during his childhood, which later helped him become a successful singer and music composer.
Due to his father’s frequent transfers, he studied in many schools such as Carnel School in Jorhat, Karimganj High School, Tamulpur Higher Secondary School, and Bijni Bandhab High School. He completed his matriculation in 1989.
Who is Zubeen Garg’s Spouse?
Zubeen Garg married Garima Saikia Garg in 2002. She is a talented costume designer, film producer, and creative professional.
Garima Saikia Garg has worked in Assamese and other regional films. She has produced popular Assamese movies like Mission China, Kanchanjangha and Sikaar.
Zubeen Garg Death, Cause and Funeral
Zubeen Garg reportedly died on 19 September 2025 in Singapore. According to reports, he drowned while swimming near Saint John’s Island.
Death Cause and Case Summary
The death of Zubeen Garg was reported as drowning. Authorities in Singapore conducted an autopsy on the same day, and the death certificate mentioned drowning as the cause.
Later, his wife Garima Saikia Garg said that he had a seizure while swimming near Lazarus Island. She clarified that it was not related to scuba diving.
She explained that he first went swimming with his team members, including Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and Sidhartha Sharma, and was wearing a life jacket. After returning, he went for a second swim, during which he suffered a seizure and later passed away.
Due to public demand and doubts, the Government of Assam ordered a second autopsy. Many fans suspected foul play and raised concerns on social media.
Several FIRs were filed across Assam. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to investigate the case, and several people were arrested in connection with the incident. These include organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, manager Siddhartha Sharma, cousin Sandipan Garg, co-singer Amritprava Mahanta, musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, and PSOs Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya.
The SIT later submitted a charge sheet in court on 12 December 2025. After requests from the public and family, the government approached the Gauhati High Court to constitute a dedicated fast-track court. The case is currently being heard in a fast-track court in Guwahati.
Zubeen Garg’s Funeral
The famous singer Zubeen Garg was cremated with full state honours and a 21-gun salute on 23 September 2025. The funeral took place at Kamarkuchi near Sonapur.
A large number of fans attended the funeral, making it one of the biggest gatherings in the region.
His last rites were performed by his sister Palmee Borthakur along with other family members.
Lesser-Known Facts of Zubeen Garg
- Zubeen Garg’s real name was Jibon Borthakur. His parents named him “Zubeen” after Zubeen Mehta, the legendary music conductor. The surname “Garg” comes from his Brahmin gotra (ancestral lineage).
- He was not only a singer and composer but also a Philanthropist. Zubeen helped many people through social work. He adopted poor children, supported people during disasters through his trust, and even turned his home into a COVID-19 care centre to help patients.
- The made his music debut in in 1992 with album ‘Anamika’, when he was just 19 years old. The album became very popular across northeast of India.
- His big recognition in Bollywood came from the song ‘Ya Ali’ from the movie ‘Gangster’, starring Emran Hashmi, Shiney Ahuja and Kangana Ranaut.
- According to IMDb, Zubeen has sung and recorded over 40,000 songs in around 40 different Indian languages.