Assam went through a difficult year in 2025 as several well-known personalities from the state’s cultural, artistic and public life passed away. Many of them had shaped Assamese music, cinema and journalism over long periods of time and their deaths were deeply felt across the region. Here is a look at some of the major figures who died during the year, and the contributions they made during their lifetimes.
Zubeen Garg
Singer and music icon Zubeen Garg passed away on September 19, 2025, at the age of 52 following a drowning accident in Singapore. He was widely regarded as one of the most influential cultural figures from Assam, and was often called the “Voice of Assam.” Over the years he became known for his work in Assamese folk music, modern songs, films and also for his Bollywood hit “Ya Ali.” His death triggered massive shock and grief across the Northeast, with fans and cultural bodies paying tribute to his wide-ranging musical contribution. 
Dipak Sarma
Renowned Assamese flutist and composer Dipak Sarma died on November 3, 2025, at the age of 57 while undergoing treatment for chronic liver disease in Chennai. He was respected internationally for his ability to blend Assamese folk traditions with contemporary sounds. Apart from composing for films, he performed across the world and took Assamese music to global audiences. His final flute performance from his hospital bed, shared widely later, became a moving farewell from an artist who remained dedicated to music until his last days.
Prafulla Govinda Baruah
Veteran journalist and media personality Prafulla Govinda Baruah died on December 14, 2025, in Guwahati at the age of 93 due to age-related ailments. A Padma Shri awardee, he had been closely associated with The Assam Tribune since the 1960s, first as editor and later as owner. Under his leadership, the newspaper became one of the major voices of the Northeast. His long career helped shape regional journalism and inspired generations of reporters and editors.
Gyanada Kakati
Acclaimed actress and singer Gyanada Kakati passed away on January 9, 2025, at the age of 92 in Shillong. She was known for her work in Assamese-Bengali cinema during the early decades of regional film development. Her performances contributed to shaping the foundation of Assamese screen culture, and she remained a respected name among senior artistes and cinema lovers.
Syed Sadulla
Noted singer, lyricist and composer Syed Sadulla died on October 30, 2025, in Guwahati at the age of 77 following complications from a blood disorder. He was admired for his deep baritone voice and his role as a cultural personality, including his work as a radio announcer. Many in the Assamese music fraternity described his passing as an irreparable loss to the state’s cultural heritage.
Gayatri Hazarika
Popular playback and stage performer Gayatri Hazarika passed away on May 16, 2025, at the age of 44 in Guwahati after battling colon cancer. She was known for her strong stage presence and for blending traditional Assamese melodies with modern music styles. Audiences across the state appreciated her as a cultural ambassador who brought Assamese music to wider listeners.
Ranjana Sharma Bordoloi
Veteran Assamese actress Ranjana Sharma Bordoloi died in December 2025 in Dibrugarh at the age of 80. She was part of the golden period of Assamese cinema in the 1960s and 1970s and acted in landmark films such as Dr. Bezbarua and Maniram Dewan. Her work left a lasting mark on the regional film industry and she is remembered as one of its respected senior artistes.
As Assam remembers these personalities, many feel that 2025 will be marked as a year when the state lost several of its important cultural voices. Their work across music, cinema and journalism continues to live on shaping the identity of Assamese society and inspiring the next generation.
