NEW DELHI, Sept 19: Celebrated Bollywood singer and Assam’s cultural icon, Zubeen Garg died in a freak accident in Singapore while scuba diving on Friday.
Garg was rescued from the sea and given CPR, but died at the Singapore General Hospital, where he was taken. Garg died around 2.30 pm India time. The 52-year-old Assamese singer was in Singapore for the North East India Festival, where he was scheduled to perform on September 20 and 21. The festival organisers said the event was cancelled following his death.
Organisers of the North East India Festival 2025 said the famed singer, known for hits like Ya Ali from Gangster and Dil tu hi bataa from Krrish 3, died at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Singapore General Hospital around 2:30 p.m. Indian Standard Time.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of Zubeen Garg’s passing. While scuba diving, he experienced breathing difficulties and was immediately given CPR before being rushed to the hospital,” a note from Anuj Kumar Boruah, one of the festival organisers, read.
Born in Meghalaya’s Tura as Zubeen Borthakur, the late artist was a singer-songwriter, composer, lyricist, music director, music producer, actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and philanthropist. He sang mostly in the Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi film and music industries. He is survived by his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, a fashion designer from eastern Assam’s Golaghat.
Condoling the death of Zubeen Garg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X in Assamese and English, “Shocked by the sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg. He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music. His renditions were very popular among people across all walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also mourned the death of Zubeen in a post, calling it a “terrible tragedy.” “The passing of Zubeen Garg is a terrible tragedy. His voice defined a generation, and his talent was truly unmatched. He overcame personal tragedies to reshape the landscape of Assamese music. His perseverance and courage have left an enduring mark. He will live on in our hearts and minds forever,” wrote Gandhi.
Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, shared in a post on X that he was “deeply shocked by the tragic demise of Zubeen Garg”, along with a photo of him with Zubeen. “Khelo India singer is no more! We have lost a magical voice and a versatile personality. I’m deeply shocked by the tragic demise of Zubeen Garg. His evergreen songs will inspire the talented artists for the generations to come. I pray for his departed soul,” wrote Rijiju.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma mourned the icon’s death. “It is a tragic and painful incident. I will discuss how we can bring his mortal remains [to the country],” he told journalists, after cutting short his campaign for election to the Bodoland Territorial Council.
Taking to X, he posted: “Today, Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am at a loss for words to describe what Zubeen meant for Assam. He has gone too early; this was not an age to go. Zubeen’s voice had an unmatched ability to energise people, and his music spoke directly to our minds and souls. He has left a void that will never be filled.”
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said he confirmed the late singer’s death from Shilpak Ambule, the High Commissioner of India to Singapore. “This is an irreparable loss for Assam, our nation, and the entire world of music. Zubeen Garg was the heartbeat of a generation, and his voice was a powerful symbol of pride for millions,” he stated.
Assam Congress president and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi said the singing sensation’s passing was shocking. “His music touched millions, capturing the spirit of Assam and giving voice to the emotions of the people. For decades, he stood as a cultural force, an artist whose songs will continue to inspire and unite. This untimely loss leaves a deep void in our musical and cultural life,” he said.
Congress leader and Member of Parliament, Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, wrote, “My thoughts and prayers are with the family, fans and people of Assam as they mourn the loss of Zubeen Garg, a musical icon. His melodies will forever echo in our hearts.”
Garg had his roots in Jorhat. Bodoland Territorial Council chief Pramod Boro, Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi, Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, and All Assam Students’ Union advisor Samujjal Bhattacharyya were among Garg’s “diehard fans” who posted condolence messages.
Zubeen Garg was known for his work in films and music across industries. He sang in Assamese, Bengali and Hindi-language films. In 2022, Zubeen Garg sustained a minor head injury after he fell down and was unconscious at a resort in Dibrugarh. He was flown to Guwahati in an air ambulance for treatment at a private super speciality hospital.
The singer shot to fame with the song Ya Ali from the Emran Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut-starrer Gangster, followed by several hits including Dil Tu Hi Bataa from Krrish 3. He also acted in and directed several films, among which Kanchanjunga, Mission China, Dinabandhu, Mon Jai were super hits.
(Manas Dasgupta)
