Zubeen Garg's Death Highlights India's Cultural Divide

When news of Zubeen Garg’s death in Singapore broke on September 19, confusion followed. Social media began trending with Jubin Nautiyal’s name—a clear sign that many outside the northeast had little idea who Zubeen Garg truly was. While Nautiyal may be more recognisable across Hindi-speaking regions, the sheer outpouring of grief in Assam—where lakhs flooded the streets to mourn—caught the rest of the country by surprise.

It was a powerful reminder of the cultural disconnect in India. Zubeen Garg wasn’t just a singer in Assam—he was a phenomenon. Yet, outside the region, he was often reduced to being the “Ya Ali singer.” In truth, he sang over 36,000 songs in more than a dozen languages, acted in 27 films, and played a pivotal role in reviving the Assamese film industry. For generations in Assam, there is no Bihu without Zubeen.

This lack of recognition for regional icons isn’t new. In 2021, over 20 lakh people turned up for Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar’s funeral, shocking the rest of India with the scale of his popularity. These moments force the question: does it take massive funerals for the country to acknowledge a life of immense contribution?

Filmmaker Utpal Borpujari called it a painful reality of India’s diversity—that unless artists belong to dominant cultures or speak major languages, they are often ignored. Talented singers like Kalpana Patowary, who found success singing Bhojpuri songs, still remain unknown to most Indians.

While platforms like Doordarshan once celebrated regional music and cinema, today’s digital algorithms favour content in widely spoken languages. Even platforms like Coke Studio, though inclusive, are niche in reach.

Zubeen Garg’s life was more than music—it was his humility, charity, and emotional connection with people that made him beloved. His death is a stark reminder that India must do more to recognise regional voices that define entire communities. As Borpujari rightly said, true recognition goes far beyond social media likes—it's about understanding impact, influence, and legacy.