Zubeen Garg Death: Assamese Music Icon Passes Away in Singapore Scuba Accident

Singapore/Guwahati, September 19, 2025 —In a heartbreaking tragedy that has sent shockwaves across India, celebrated Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg passed away at the age of 52 following a scuba diving accident in Singapore.

The renowned artist was in Singapore to perform at the Northeast Festival when the incident occurred. According to initial reports, Garg experienced breathing difficulties while diving, was quickly brought to shore, was administered CPR, and was rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead despite intensive medical efforts.

Festival organizers issued an emotional statement confirming the devastating news:

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Zubeen Garg's passing. He experienced breathing difficulties during a scuba diving session and was immediately taken to the hospital. Despite all efforts, he could not be saved.”

A Voice That Defined a Generation

Born in Tura, Meghalaya, Zubeen Garg grew up to become the Voice of Assam and one of the most influential figures in Indian music. Known for his distinctive voice and genre-blending style, he effortlessly fused folk, rock, and popular music, winning millions of fans across India.

His national breakthrough came in 2006 with the iconic Hindi song “Ya Ali” from the film Gangster, which became a nationwide sensation. Beyond playback singing, Garg was a composer, music producer, film director, and actor, showcasing his multifaceted artistic brilliance.

Over his illustrious career, he sang thousands of songs in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and other languages. His work elevated Assamese cinema and music to national prominence, making him not just a regional star but a cultural icon.

Tributes Pour In From Across the Nation

The news of his sudden demise triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes:

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called his death an “irreparable loss for Assam and the entire music world,” adding that “Zubeen was not just a singer; he was the voice of the youth and a symbol of Assamese pride.”
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several national leaders also offered their condolences, praising Garg’s immense contributions to Indian culture.
• Fellow artists and colleagues from the film and music fraternity remembered him as a vibrant, passionate, and generous personality, sharing heartfelt memories of working with him.

Meanwhile, #ZubeenGarg and #RIPZubeenGarg have been trending across social media, as countless fans post clips of his iconic performances and share personal stories about how his music touched their lives.

Final Journey Back to Assam

Arrangements are underway to bring Zubeen Garg’s mortal remains to Assam for his last rites. The atmosphere across his home state is one of profound sorrow, with fans gathering to pay their respects and celebrate his life through his music.

Zubeen Garg’s sudden passing leaves behind a void in the Indian music industry that will be difficult to fill. He will always be remembered as a cultural icon who carried his Assamese identity with pride and as a voice that inspired generations with its soul-stirring power.