Singer-composer Angarag Mahanta, popularly known as Papon, delivered an emotional tribute to his late friend and legendary Assamese musician Zubeen Garg during the ICC Women’s World Cup opening ceremony at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The performance marked a poignant moment as Papon sang “Maya,” one of Zubeen’s most beloved hits, while fans chanted “Joi Zubeen Da” throughout the stadium.
The ceremony, held before the tournament opener between India and Sri Lanka, was transformed into a commemorative event honoring Garg’s legacy. Papon’s decision to perform without charging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) turned the inauguration into a heartfelt homage to the deceased artist. The tribute was accompanied by performances from renowned playback singer Shreya Ghoshal, who sang the national anthem, and the Shillong Chamber Choir, who presented a medley of Zubeen’s songs.
Complete Suspension of Professional Activities
In an unprecedented gesture of respect, Papon has cancelled all his professional commitments following Zubeen Garg’s death on September 19, 2025. The decision affects concerts, promotional appearances, and scheduled shoots, including a highly anticipated Mumbai show on October 1. All activities will remain suspended until October 1, which marks the completion of Zubeen Garg’s 13th-day ritual, the traditional end of the formal mourning period in Indian communities.
“I sincerely apologise to all concerned for cancelling my commitments,” Papon stated in his public apology to fans and event organizers. The singer, who shared a decades-long association with Zubeen in the Assamese music industry, described the loss as “more than losing a brother”.
Circumstances Surrounding Zubeen Garg’s Death
Zubeen Garg, 52, died in Singapore while swimming during a yacht outing at Lazarus Island. Initial reports suggesting a scuba diving accident were later clarified by his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, who confirmed that he suffered an epileptic seizure while swimming. The singer was wearing a life jacket during his first swim but removed it before entering the water a second time, when the fatal seizure occurred.
Garg had a documented medical history of epileptic seizures, with his wife revealing that he had experienced similar episodes on several previous occasions. In 2022, he was airlifted from Dibrugarh to Guwahati after collapsing due to an epileptic fit, sustaining a head injury that required medical intervention. His wife confirmed that his manager was aware of his condition and the medical advice to avoid water and fire, as these could trigger seizures.
Musical Legacy and Industry Impact
Zubeen Garg was a towering figure in Assamese and Indian music, best known nationally for his hit song “Ya Ali” from the 2006 Bollywood film “Gangster”. Over his 33-year career, he sang in over 40 languages and dialects, seamlessly blending folk, pop, and rock elements. His versatile voice allowed him to perform romantic ballads and melancholic songs with equal mastery, making him a cultural icon in Assam and beyond.
The singer’s sudden demise has prompted an outpouring of grief from the music community, with the Assam government declaring three days of mourning. His cremation with full state honors on September 23 at Kamarkuchi village near Guwahati was attended by hundreds of thousands of fans and prominent figures from politics and music.
Investigation and Family Concerns
The circumstances surrounding Garg’s death have prompted the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the Assam government, with authorities not ruling out the possibility of foul play. Garima Saikia Garg has demanded answers from those present during her husband’s final moments, questioning why adequate precautions were not taken given his known medical condition.
“We want to know what happened to him, why it happened and how this negligence could be allowed to happen? We want answers,” she stated, emphasizing that those on the yacht could have easily prevented him from swimming given his exhausted condition. The Singapore authorities initially listed drowning as the cause of death, but a second post-mortem examination was conducted in Assam to address public concerns and ensure transparency in the investigation.
Community Response and Memorial Plans
The Assam Cricket Association distributed 5,000 free tickets to Zubeen Garg’s fan club members for the World Cup opening match as part of the tribute. The gesture ensured that his admirers remained at the heart of the commemorative ceremony. The Assam government has announced plans to establish memorials at both the cremation site in Kamkarbuchi and in Jorhat, Garg’s hometown.
Papon’s decision to suspend all professional activities until the completion of traditional mourning rituals reflects the deep personal and professional impact of Garg’s death on the Assamese music community. The tribute performance at the ICC Women’s World Cup opening ceremony stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two artists and Garg’s lasting influence on Indian music.
By – Sonali