Vishal Dadlani Pays Tribute to Idol Zubeen Garg on Indian Idol Stage
Synopsis
On Indian Idol's stage, composer Vishal Dadlani emotionally called the late Zubeen Garg his idol, while Baadshah declared him a 'true Indian Idol.' Contestant Manraj's tribute medley of Zubeen's iconic songs left judges visibly moved, reigniting conversations about the legendary singer's unmatched legacy and the Northeast's underrepresented musical genius.
Key Takeaways
Vishal Dadlani emotionally recalled the late Zubeen Garg on the Indian Idol stage, calling him his personal idol and saying he had never seen stardom like his.
Rapper and judge Baadshah declared Zubeen Garg a "true Indian Idol," amplifying the tribute on national television.
Contestant Manraj performed a moving medley of "Ab Tere Bin Jee Lenge Hum" and "Ya Ali" , both iconic songs associated with Zubeen Garg .
Zubeen Garg passed away on September 19 after a scuba diving accident in Singapore , just days before he was to perform at the North East India Festival at Suntec .
Despite intensive medical care in a Singapore hospital's ICU , the legendary singer could not be saved, leaving a massive void in Indian and Assamese music .
The tribute reignited discussions about the underrepresentation of Northeast Indian artists in mainstream Bollywood recognition.
Mumbai, April 24 — The stage of the popular music reality show Indian Idol turned into a deeply emotional tribute when celebrated music composer and singer Vishal Dadlani opened up about his admiration for the late legendary singer Zubeen Garg. Dadlani's heartfelt words moved the audience and fellow judges alike, underscoring just how irreplaceable Zubeen Garg remains in the Indian music landscape.
Vishal Dadlani's Emotional Tribute to Zubeen Garg
Vishal Dadlani did not hold back his emotions when speaking about the late icon. He stated, "Zubeen ki baat ki jaaye toh sahi mein he was something else and I feel unke jaise stardom maine nahi dekha hain." The composer, who has been a cornerstone of Bollywood music for decades, acknowledged that Zubeen's level of stardom was truly unparalleled in his experience.
Dadlani further recalled his personal connection with the late singer, saying, "I knew him jab maine mera career start kiya tha and for us he was our idol and it just feels at times bad to know he is not around." These words resonated deeply with fans of Zubeen Garg across India, particularly in the Northeast, where the singer was revered as a cultural icon.
Baadshah Calls Zubeen Garg a True Indian Idol
Rapper and judge Baadshah, also serving as a judge on Indian Idol this season, echoed Dadlani's sentiments. He added powerfully, "I feel Zubeen can be considered as a true Indian Idol." This statement was particularly poignant given the platform — a show that has long celebrated India's finest voices.
The tribute segment highlighted how deeply Zubeen Garg's legacy continues to influence a generation of Indian musicians, from mainstream Bollywood composers to rap artists. His cross-genre appeal made him a unifying figure in Indian music.
Contestant Manraj's Powerful Medley Performance
Contestant Manraj took the stage to deliver a stirring medley, blending "Ab Tere Bin Jee Lenge Hum" from the iconic film Aashiqui and "Ya Ali" from Gangster — two tracks closely associated with Zubeen Garg's extraordinary vocal legacy. The performance was widely regarded as one of the most emotionally charged moments of the current season.
Vishal Dadlani was visibly moved and noted that Manraj bore a striking resemblance — both in voice and spirit — to the legendary singer. Such comparisons are rare from a judge of Dadlani's stature, making this moment particularly significant for the young contestant's career trajectory.
The Tragic Passing of Zubeen Garg
Legendary singer Zubeen Garg passed away on September 19 following a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore. He had traveled to the city-state just days before his untimely death to perform at the fourth North East India Festival at Suntec, which was scheduled for September 20 and 21.
He was rescued from the sea by the Singapore Police and immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Zubeen Garg could not be saved, leaving behind an irreplaceable void in Indian and Assamese music.
Known for his soulful voice and versatility across languages including Assamese, Hindi, and Bengali, Garg had won numerous awards and was considered one of the most gifted vocalists of his generation. His death sent shockwaves across Northeast India and the broader Indian music fraternity.
Zubeen Garg's Enduring Legacy in Indian Music
Zubeen Garg's contributions spanned over three decades, with landmark songs in Bollywood and a prolific body of work in Assamese cinema and folk music. Songs like "Ya Ali" became generational anthems, introducing his voice to millions beyond the Northeast.
His passing has reignited conversations about the recognition and representation of Northeast Indian artists in mainstream Bollywood. Critics and fans alike have pointed out that despite his massive talent and popularity, Garg never received the full mainstream spotlight his work deserved — a disparity that continues to be a point of discussion in Indian entertainment circles.
As Indian Idol continues its current season, tributes like the one from Vishal Dadlani and Baadshah ensure that Zubeen Garg's memory and music remain alive for a new generation of listeners and aspiring artists across the country.
Point of View
' Garg remained somewhat on the periphery of mainstream recognition during his lifetime. The outpouring of grief from top industry figures like Vishal Dadlani and Baadshah only underscores this irony: India often celebrates its legends loudest after they are gone. The industry must ask itself whether living artists from the Northeast are receiving the platform and recognition they deserve — before it is too late.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Vishal Dadlani say about Zubeen Garg on Indian Idol?
Vishal Dadlani called Zubeen Garg his idol and said he had never witnessed stardom like his in his entire career. He also expressed sadness that Zubeen is no longer around, recalling that he had known the singer since the start of his own career.
How did Zubeen Garg die?
Zubeen Garg passed away on September 19 following a scuba diving accident in Singapore. He was rescued by the Singapore Police and admitted to the ICU, but doctors were unable to save him despite intensive care.
What songs did contestant Manraj perform as a tribute to Zubeen Garg?
Contestant Manraj performed a medley of 'Ab Tere Bin Jee Lenge Hum' from Aashiqui and 'Ya Ali' from Gangster on Indian Idol. Both songs are closely associated with Zubeen Garg's iconic vocal legacy.
Why was Zubeen Garg in Singapore before his death?
Zubeen Garg had traveled to Singapore to perform at the fourth North East India Festival at Suntec, scheduled for September 20 and 21. He met with the fatal accident just days before the event.
What did Baadshah say about Zubeen Garg on Indian Idol?
Baadshah, a judge on Indian Idol, called Zubeen Garg a 'true Indian Idol,' echoing Vishal Dadlani's tribute. His statement was seen as a powerful acknowledgment of Garg's unmatched contribution to Indian music.
