Did Papon Say Goodbye to His Friend, Zubeen Garg?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Zubeen Garg was a cultural icon whose music transcended regional boundaries.
- His career spanned over three decades with an unparalleled catalog of songs.
- He was known for his activism and vocal stance on cultural issues.
- The turnout at his funeral reflected his immense popularity and influence.
- His tragic passing reminds us of the fragility of life and the legacy we leave behind.
Mumbai, Sep 24 (NationPress) Playback singer Papon, renowned for hits like Bulleya, Jiyein Kyun, and Moh Moh Ke Dhaage, has said a heartfelt farewell to his fellow Assamese artist, the iconic Zubeen Garg.
On Wednesday, Papon shared a poignant image on his Instagram, commemorating the late singer's journey. He captioned it, “Farewell, dear friend.... May you find joy wherever you are.”
Zubeen Garg transcended the role of a mere singer; he was a cultural emblem for Assam and India. His entry into mainstream music began in 1990, quickly earning him a devoted following in Assam. By the early 2000s, he ventured into Hindi film music, debuting with “Jaane Kya Hoga Rama Re” from Kaante, which was an unofficial adaptation of Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs.
His breakout moment came with “Ya Ali” from Gangster, a song that became a sensation and continues to resonate with audiences nearly two decades later.
Although he produced independent music in Hindi, Zubeen chose to remain rooted in his homeland, Assam. A figure of political and cultural significance, he was notably vocal against the CAA in Assam.
Throughout his remarkable career, spanning over 30 years, Zubeen recorded nearly 38,000 songs across major Indian languages, a staggering achievement that few can rival. For context, Kishore Kumar, revered as one of the greatest artists, recorded about 3,000 songs, just a fraction of Zubeen’s incredible catalog. His funeral witnessed an astounding turnout of over a million attendees, marking it as the fourth largest gathering in history.
The beloved singer tragically passed away on September 19, 2025, in Singapore due to a swimming incident, with authorities currently investigating the cause as accidental drowning.