In a cruel twist of fate, the recent passing of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in a scuba diving accident in Singapore has resurfaced the tragic memory of his sister, Jonkey Borthakur, who also died in an accident 23 years prior. The siblings, both gifted singers and actors, shared a bond that was cut short on January 12, 2002, when Jonkey died in a road accident near Tezpur in Assam's Sonitpur district.
Jonkey Borthakur, born into a family deeply rooted in the arts, followed in the footsteps of her mother, Ily Borthakur, a dancer and vocalist. She quickly carved a niche for herself as an actress and singer in Assam's cultural scene and frequently collaborated with Zubeen on stage performances. Jonkey had already acted in several Assamese TV shows, and her film career had just begun with the popular film 'Tumi Mor Mattu Mor'.
The accident occurred while Jonkey and Zubeen were on their way to a stage show. Their car collided head-on with a truck, resulting in the immediate death of Jonkey and a close friend of Zubeen. Zubeen, who was initially in the same car, had switched to another vehicle just minutes before the collision, narrowly escaping the tragic fate that befell his sister.
The loss of Jonkey at the young age of 20 (or 26 as reported by some sources) devastated Zubeen and profoundly impacted his life and music. He channeled his grief and anguish into his art, and his music took on a new depth and emotional resonance. In 2022, Zubeen released the Assamese album 'Xixu,' dedicated to his deceased sister. The album, composed by Raaj J Konwar and Kalparanjan Hazarika, chronicles Zubeen's love for Jonkey and his grief over her untimely passing.
Zubeen Garg, born on November 18, 1972, was not only a singer but also a composer, lyricist, actor, and producer. He was named after the renowned composer Zubin Mehta. Zubeen's musical journey began early, and he became one of Assam's most influential musicians. His contributions spanned Assamese, Bengali, and Bollywood music and films. Some of his most notable Hindi tracks include "Ya Ali" from Gangster and "Dil Tu Hi Bataa" from Krrish 3.
Zubeen's death in Singapore, where he was scheduled to perform at the North East Festival, has cast a shadow over the event and triggered an outpouring of tributes from fans and prominent figures alike. His legacy as one of the North East's most celebrated cultural icons will continue to resonate in the hearts of many. The tragic coincidence of his death mirroring his sister's untimely demise has left fans heartbroken over the siblings' tragic lives.
