[WATCH] 'Dabangg Mama Was a Warrior' – Riyan Parag shares heartfelt message after Zubeen Garg’s sudden demise
Assamese cricketer Riyan Parag pays heartfelt tribute to legendary singer Zubeen Garg, calling him “Dabangg Mama.”

The news of legendary Assamese and Bollywood singer Zubeen Garg’s abrupt demise has shocked the nation as tributes are coming in from all aspects. Outstanding Indian cricketer Riyan Parag was also impacted and took to social media to share an emotional post mourning the death of the cultural icon.
The 52-year-old singer tragically passed away on September 19 in Singapore following a scuba diving accident. Garg had traveled to the island nation to perform at the NortheastFestival. Reports suggest that although he initially wore a life jacket, he later removed it due to discomfort. Soon after, he was found floating in the sea. Despite being rushed to Singapore General Hospital, doctors could not revive him.
His untimely demise has created an irreplaceable void in the Indian music industry, especially in Assam, where Garg was considered a beacon of cultural pride. Thousands of fans thronged Guwahati to pay their respects when his mortal remains arrived. Condolences also poured in from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hailed his immense contribution to music.
Riyan Parag’s Heartfelt Tribute
For Assam-born cricketer Riyan Parag, Garg’s death was deeply personal. The youngster fondly remembered him as “Dabangg Mama” and described him as a warrior who transformed Assamese music and gave it nationwide recognition with timeless hits like Ya Ali from the 2006 film Gangster. “Aap agar nahi talai to main Jubin Garg ki baat kar raha hoon, I used to call him Dabang Mama because he was such a warrior,” Parag said in an emotional video message.
Watch the video here
In Assam, Garg's death nearly brought the state to a halt. Thousands of people congregated at Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport to receive Garg's remains, and the police were unable to control the developing crowd. The number of people who showed up was indicative of the unmatched love and respect people held for Zubeen Garg, though he did not fully realize it. His music would be the hallmark of his legacy.
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