Popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, who shot to fame with the Bollywood song ‘Ya Ali’ in the mid 2000s, has passed away in Singapore after a tragic scuba diving accident. He was 52.
The singer was in Singapore to attend the North East India Festival, where he was scheduled to perform.
According to reports, Zubeen was rescued from the sea by Singapore police and rushed to a hospital. Doctors placed him under intensive medical care but could not save him. His sudden demise has left the Assamese community, his fans, and the Indian music industry in deep shock.
Tributes have been pouring in since the news broke. Former Rajya Sabha MP Ripu Bora wrote on X, “Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of our cultural icon Zubeen Garg. His voice, music, and indomitable spirit inspired generations across Assam and beyond. My heartfelt condolences to his family, fans, and loved ones. Rest in peace, Legend (sic).”
Assam Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal also expressed his grief. He posted on X, “Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of our beloved Zubeen Garg. Assam has lost not just a voice, but a heartbeat. Zubeen da was more than a singer, he was the pride of Assam and the nation, whose songs carried our culture, our emotions, and our spirit to every corner of the world. In his music, generations found joy, solace, and identity. His passing leaves behind a void that can never be filled. Assam has lost its dearest son, and India has lost one of its finest cultural icons. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless fans. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire forever. Om Shanti.”
Just days before the tragedy, on September 16, Zubeen had posted a video on Instagram inviting people to the festival in Singapore. In the video, he said, “Friends in Singpore, I will like to invite you to 4th North East India Festival in Sunctec, Singapore during 20th and 21st September. Come and explore the exotic part of India, we are carrying quality agri, craft products, tea experience, dance forms, fashion shows and evening musical show presenting Rock bands, rappers from India’s North East. I will be there throughout the Festival as Cultural Brand Ambassador and will perform on 20th evening with my popular Hindi, Bengali and Assamese Songs. I would like to invite you all, it will be Saturday and Sunday and entry is free. All come and support us. Cheers!”
The untimely passing of Zubeen Garg has created a void in Indian music, leaving his fans and admirers mourning across Assam, the Northeast, and beyond.
