Did Shilpa Rao Honor Zubeen Garg with a Heartfelt Performance at the Ziro Festival?

Click to start listening
Did Shilpa Rao Honor Zubeen Garg with a Heartfelt Performance at the Ziro Festival?

Synopsis

Playback singer Shilpa Rao recently paid homage to the late Zubeen Garg at the Ziro Festival, performing ‘Ya Ali’ in a captivating style. This tribute not only honored Zubeen's musical legacy but also highlighted his humanitarian contributions to Northeast India. Read on to discover more about this touching moment and Zubeen’s remarkable journey.

Key Takeaways

  • Shilpa Rao performed ‘Ya Ali’ as a tribute to Zubeen Garg.
  • Zubeen Garg was a significant cultural figure in Assam and India.
  • His humanitarian efforts greatly impacted Northeast India.
  • His funeral attracted over a million attendees.
  • Shilpa Rao recently received the National Award for her performances.

Mumbai, Sep 28 (NationPress) Renowned playback vocalist Shilpa Rao, who recently received the National Award, honored the memory of the late singer Zubeen Garg.

The acclaimed singer took to the stage at the Ziro Festival in Arunachal Pradesh, delivering an enchanting rendition of the song ‘Ya Ali’ from ‘Gangster’. Her performance featured a downtempo arrangement and an ethereal touch, serving as a heartfelt homage to the beloved singing legend known for his humanitarian efforts throughout Assam and the broader northeast India.

Zubeen Garg tragically passed away on September 19, 2025, in Singapore, following a swimming accident. Authorities are currently investigating the incident as a case of accidental drowning.

A true cultural icon, Zubeen was instrumental in shaping the music scene of Assam and India. He began his musical journey in 1990 and quickly became a household name in Assam. By the early 2000s, he transitioned to Hindi film music, debuting with ‘Jaane Kya Hoga Rama Re’ from ‘Kaante’, an unofficial adaptation of Quentin Tarantino's ‘Reservoir Dogs’.

His fame skyrocketed with ‘Ya Ali’ from ‘Gangster’, a track that resonated with an entire generation, remaining popular nearly two decades later.

While Zubeen continued to create independent Hindi music, he chose to remain rooted in Assam, reflecting his deep connection to his homeland. His outspoken political and cultural views made him an influential figure, particularly in his opposition to the CAA in Assam.

Throughout his remarkable career spanning over three decades, Zubeen recorded nearly 38,000 songs in various Indian languages, a staggering accomplishment that few can match. For context, Kishore Kumar, revered as one of the greatest artists, recorded approximately 3,000 songs across languages, a fraction of Zubeen’s extensive catalog. His funeral saw an attendance of over a million people, marking it as the fourth-largest gathering in human history.

Meanwhile, Shilpa was recently honored with the National Award for Best Playback Singer Female for her performance in ‘Chaleya’ from ‘Jawan’.

Point of View

This tribute exemplifies the powerful connection between music and culture in India. Shilpa Rao's performance is a reminder of the impactful legacy left by Zubeen Garg, whose artistic contributions and humanitarian efforts continue to resonate within the community. As we celebrate such moments, we reaffirm our commitment to honoring the cultural fabric of our nation.
NationPress
28/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Shilpa Rao?
Shilpa Rao is a renowned playback singer in India, recognized for her exceptional vocal talent and recent accolades, including the National Award for Best Playback Singer.
What song did Shilpa Rao perform in tribute to Zubeen Garg?
Shilpa Rao performed ‘Ya Ali’ from the film ‘Gangster’ at the Ziro Festival as a tribute to Zubeen Garg.
What was Zubeen Garg known for?
Zubeen Garg was a celebrated singer, songwriter, and cultural icon known for his extensive contributions to music and his humanitarian work in Assam and Northeast India.
When did Zubeen Garg pass away?
Zubeen Garg tragically passed away on September 19, 2025, in Singapore due to a swimming accident.
What is the significance of Zubeen Garg's music?
Zubeen Garg's music has shaped the cultural landscape of Assam and India, with his songs continuing to resonate with audiences even decades after their release.
Nation Press