Zubeen Garg Wanted His Ashes In The Brahmaputra: 'People Should Burn Me There When I Die'

The untimely death of Zubeen Garg has left India in a state of collective grief. The 52-year-old singer, actor, and philanthropist was in Singapore serving as the Cultural Brand Ambassador for the North East India Festival, scheduled on September 20 and 21. He was expected to perform some of his most cherished Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi songs on the festival’s opening day. But a recreational scuba diving session turned tragic when Zubeen experienced severe breathing complications. Despite being rushed to Singapore General Hospital, he passed away at 2:30 pm on Friday.

Zubeen’s final wishes

As tributes pour in, many are revisiting Zubeen’s last interview, where he candidly spoke about how he wanted to live and die. Speaking to POP Pavelopedia

in January, the late singer said: “I am mad, I want to give everything of mine to people. Not for me. I am happy here. I have my studio, this is my home.”

He revealed his desire to spend his final days at Tilla—likely the Mahabahu Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre, also known as Borphukonar Tilla or Itakhuli Tilla. “It’s a good place. It is one of the best places. It will be a small bungalow. I will stay there and die there. People should burn me there when I die. Or you wash me up in the Brahmaputra. I am a soldier. I am like a Rambo,” he said.

The historic site, once a British-era bungalow overlooking the Brahmaputra, was where Zubeen dreamed of a modest retirement, close to the roots he always celebrated in his music.

A life beyond music

While his career took him from Mumbai to international stages with songs like Ya Ali (Gangster), Dil Tu Hi Bata (Krrish 3), and countless Assamese anthems, Zubeen was equally remembered for his humanitarian spirit. Through the Kalaguru Artiste Foundation, he raised funds and resources for communities devastated by floods, donated medicines and clothing, and even played football charity matches. During the pandemic, he turned his Guwahati home into a COVID care centre, offering his space to save lives.

Nation bids farewell

On Saturday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that Zubeen’s post-mortem had been completed in Singapore and his remains were being handed over to his team. The Chief Minister announced that he would personally travel to Delhi to receive the body and accompany it to Guwahati. The funeral, expected to take place on Sunday, will likely see thousands gather to pay their final respects to the artist who became the voice, heart, and conscience of Assam.

Zubeen Garg may be gone, but his music, ideals, and uncompromising spirit will continue to echo far beyond the Brahmaputra he so deeply loved.