Renowned Assamese music icon and Bollywood playback singer Zubeen Garg died on Friday in a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore. He was 52.
The celebrated artist, who had travelled to the city-state to perform at the North East India Festival on September 20 and 21, developed breathing problems during a diving session. Despite being rescued from the water and given CPR, he could not be revived.
Doctors at the Singapore General Hospital officially declared him dead at 5:14 pm local time (2:30 pm IST). Authorities confirmed that an autopsy will be conducted, after which his body will be flown back to Assam.
Garg, often hailed as Assam’s most popular singer, was also widely admired in Bollywood for his distinctive voice. He shot to nationwide fame with Ya Ali from the 2006 film Gangster, followed by hits like Dil Tu Hi Bataa in Krrish 3.
A household name in the Northeast, Garg sang in Assamese, Hindi, and Bengali, and his creative work extended beyond music into acting, composing, and filmmaking, with successful projects such as Mission China, Kanchanjunga, and Mon Jai.
The Assam government confirmed that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita have been briefed about the tragedy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock at his sudden death, saying Garg would be remembered for his “rich contribution to music.” Rahul Gandhi called it a “terrible tragedy,” while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described him as “a musical icon whose melodies will forever echo in our hearts.”
Paying tribute, CM Sarma said: “Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. His music spoke directly to our minds and souls. That magical voice has forever gone silent.”
Only days before his untimely passing, on September 16, Zubeen Garg had invited his fans in Singapore through an Instagram video to attend the festival, promising performances in Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi.
The sudden death of Assam’s most famous singer and a celebrated Bollywood voice leaves behind a cultural void that will be difficult to fill. For millions of admirers, Zubeen Garg remains a legend whose songs and spirit will live on.
