The celebrated cultural icon, Zubeen Garg was in Singapore to perform at the North East Festival on September 20
Celebrated Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg has tragically passed away at the age of 52 after a scuba diving accident in Singapore. The heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves across the Indian music industry and left millions of fans in deep mourning.
According to officials, the accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when Garg was scuba diving off the coast of Singapore. Local authorities confirmed that the singer was rescued from the sea by Singapore police and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite being placed under intensive medical care, doctors were unable to revive him.
Zubeen Garg had travelled to Singapore to attend the North East Festival, where he was scheduled to perform on September 20, 2025. The festival, a major cultural event showcasing the talent and heritage of India’s North Eastern states, was set to feature his much-anticipated live performance.
However, before the event could take place, the celebrated singer met with the tragic accident. Organizers of the festival have since issued a statement expressing their shock and grief, calling Zubeen’s untimely death an “immeasurable loss” to the music community and the cultural identity of the North East.
Born in 1972 in Jorhat, Assam, Zubeen Garg rose to fame in the 1990s and became a household name with his powerful voice and soulful music. Over the years, he established himself as one of the most versatile and beloved singers in India, contributing to the Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu music industries.
His breakout moment came with the superhit Hindi song “Ya Ali” from the film Gangster (2006), which not only catapulted him to national fame but also earned him widespread recognition as a singer of rare talent.
In Assam, Zubeen was more than just a singer—he was regarded as a cultural icon, whose music often reflected the ethos, struggles, and aspirations of the people of the region. From romantic ballads to patriotic anthems, his songs resonated deeply with fans across generations.
News of Zubeen Garg’s tragic demise has triggered an outpouring of grief across India and beyond. Political leaders, fellow musicians, actors, and fans have taken to social media to express their sorrow and pay tribute to the late singer.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his condolences, saying, “Zubeen da was not just an artist, he was an emotion for Assam. His contribution to music and culture is irreplaceable. Assam has lost one of its brightest stars.”
শব্দ আজি নিজেই নিজত আবদ্ধ
Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am in a loss of 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…
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 19, 2025
Singer Sonu Nigam also shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling Zubeen’s passion for music and his deep love for his roots. Fans across Assam have begun gathering at his Guwahati residence, lighting candles and singing his songs as a mark of respect.
Beyond singing, Zubeen Garg was also a composer, lyricist, actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist. He released over 30 albums in Assamese and other languages and lent his voice to countless film songs across industries.
His ability to seamlessly blend folk traditions with modern music set him apart as a unique voice in Indian music. He also acted in Assamese films, directed movies, and actively promoted regional cinema and artists.
Known for his outspoken nature, Zubeen often championed social and political causes, making him a voice of the people in more ways than one.
Even though Zubeen Garg’s life has come to a tragic end, his music will continue to inspire generations to come. His songs, ranging from heartfelt romantic numbers to spirited Assamese anthems, remain etched in the memories of fans worldwide.
As the nation mourns his passing, plans are underway to bring his body back to Assam, where he will be given a state funeral to honour his contributions to music and culture.
Zubeen Garg’s sudden and untimely demise marks the end of an era in Assamese and Indian music. At just 52, the legendary singer had much more to give to the world of art and culture. His passing leaves behind a void that will be impossible to fill.
While the people of Assam and India grieve, Zubeen’s voice will live forever through his timeless music. His legacy as a singer, composer, and cultural torchbearer ensures that he will remain an eternal part of the country’s artistic spirit.
