National Award winner Shilpa Rao honored late singer Zubeen Garg during her performance at the Ziro Festival in Arunachal Pradesh. She delivered a downtempo rendition of "Ya Ali" from the film "Gangster" as her tribute. The Assamese cultural icon died Sept. 19, 2025, from accidental drowning while swimming in Singapore. Authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Garg recorded approximately 38,000 songs across multiple Indian languages during his three-decade career. He gained national recognition through Hindi film music, particularly with "Ya Ali," which became a generational anthem. The singer remained based in Assam while pursuing humanitarian efforts throughout northeast India. More than one million people attended his funeral, marking it among history's largest public gatherings.
Garg recorded approximately 38,000 songs across multiple Indian languages during his three-decade career. He gained national recognition through Hindi film music, particularly with "Ya Ali," which became a generational anthem. The singer remained based in Assam while pursuing humanitarian efforts throughout northeast India. More than one million people attended his funeral, marking it among history's largest public gatherings.
