When Zubeen Garg predicted how Assam would mourn his death, said, "Assam will remain closed for 7 days after my death"

When Zubeen Garg predicted how Assam would mourn his death, said, "Assam will remain closed for 7 days after my death"

Celebrated singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg passed away on September 19, leaving Assam and the entire country in shock. Days after his demise, his last podcast with author Rita Chowdhury went viral, where he spoke candidly about his life, career, and how his home state would mourn him. His words proved hauntingly prophetic.

Recounting his years in Mumbai, Zubeen said, “I stayed in Mumbai for 12 years, I got bored of the city life. People ask me why I don’t live in Mumbai? I said, ‘A king should never leave his kingdom. There is no king there. When Lata Mangeshkar died, did they do anything? No. When Rajesh Khanna died, there was just news – Rajesh Khanna died. But if I die here in Assam, Assam will remain closed for 7 days.’”

The Assam government soon declared a three-day state mourning from September 20 to 22. Public celebrations, entertainment, and ceremonial events were suspended, and September 22–23 were marked as dry days. On September 24, Zubeen was cremated with full state honours at Kamarkuchi, near Guwahati. Thousands of grieving fans gathered, many breaking down as his sister, Palme Borthakur, lit the funeral pyre. His wife, Garima Saikia, was seen in tears. The Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex was kept open round-the-clock for fans to pay their respects, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledging the overwhelming turnout.

Zubeen Garg was one of Assam’s greatest cultural figures, known for his songs across Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi cinema. His nationwide breakthrough came with Ya Ali from Gangster, followed by hits like Dil Tu Hi Bata from Krrish 3. He also acted and directed Assamese films such as Kanchanjunga and Mission China.

Initial reports suggested he died while scuba diving in Singapore. “While scuba diving, he experienced breathing difficulties and was immediately given CPR before being rushed to Singapore General Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared deceased in the ICU around 2.30 pm IST,” said Anuj Kumar Boruah, a representative.

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However, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma later clarified that Garg had been swimming in the sea without a life jacket. Video evidence reportedly showed him jumping from a yacht, first with a life jacket and later without, saying it was uncomfortable. Moments later, he was found floating unresponsive.

Given the conflicting accounts, the Assam government announced a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe his death. “In regard to the untimely death of our beloved Zubeen Garg, we will not spare anyone,” the Chief Minister said, adding that viscera samples would be sent for forensic testing.

For Assam, Zubeen was not just a singer but a symbol of cultural pride. His passing leaves behind a void that, as he himself predicted, will be mourned for far longer than seven days.