Singer Shilpa Rao, fresh off her National Award win, left the crowd at Arunachal Pradesh’s Ziro Festival teary-eyed on Sunday. She delivered a stripped-down, soulful version of Ya Ali from the film Gangster, dedicating it to the late Zubeen Garg.
The performance, slow and stirring, hit a chord with the audience, many of whom had gathered to remember the Assam icon.
“Music is eternal, and Zubeen da will live through it forever,” Shilpa Rao said on stage, before beginning the track that defined Garg’s Bollywood breakthrough.
Sharing the post herself on the Instagram, Shilpa wrote, "Artists stay alive in our hearts forever as they stand for music, freedom and love. Zubeen Da we love you "
Zubeen Garg’s Tragic Passing
Zubeen Garg, beloved for his music and humanitarian work across Assam and the northeast, died on September 19, 2025, at just 52. Initial reports called it a scuba diving mishap, but fresh details suggest otherwise.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that Zubeen Garg died while swimming in the sea without a life jacket. “Zubeen died while swimming without a life jacket,” the Chief Minister said.
However, a video shared by Zubeen Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma showed the singer first wearing one, then removing it, saying it felt uncomfortable. Moments later, he was found unresponsive and rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Investigation and Allegations
The mystery deepens around Zubeen Garg’s final hours. Singapore authorities are expected to question those present on the yacht. Meanwhile, back in India, his manager Siddharth Sharma has come under scrutiny. The Special Investigation Team recently raided Sharma’s residence amid allegations of mismanagement of Garg’s wealth and song rights. Sharma has reportedly been absconding since.
The organisers of the North East India Festival clarified they had no knowledge of the yacht visit, distancing themselves from the controversy.
A Legacy Beyond Music
For fans, however, Zubeen Garg is more than just the headlines. His music, from Assamese classics to Bollywood hits, continues to resonate. Shilpa Rao’s tribute at the Ziro Festival was a reminder that while the man may no longer be with us, his voice remains timeless.
Also read: Ranbir Kapoor praises Lokah Chapter 1, shares favorite songs during birthday Instagram live
FAQs
Q1: Which song did Shilpa Rao sing in tribute to Zubeen Garg?
Shilpa Rao sang "Ya Ali" from "Gangster" in a soulful downtempo style.
Q2: How did Zubeen Garg pass away?
Zubeen Garg passed away while swimming in the sea without a life jacket, although investigations are still ongoing.
Q3: Where did Shilpa Rao perform her tribute?
Shilpa Rao performed the tribute at the Ziro Festival in Arunachal Pradesh.
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