The world of music has been shaken by the sudden and heartbreaking death of celebrated Bollywood and Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. The 52-year-old artist, who carried the voice of an entire generation, lost his life in a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore. He had traveled there to participate in the North East India Festival, where he was scheduled to perform on September 20 and 21.

According to reports, Garg was pulled out of the sea after developing breathing difficulties during the dive. Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was administered, and he was rushed to the Singapore General Hospital. Despite the best medical efforts, he passed away around 2:30 pm India time. A representative of the festival confirmed the devastating news. “It is with deep sadness 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 Singapore General Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared deceased in the ICU around 2.30 pm IST,” said Anuj Kumar Boruah, who represented the North East India Festival in Singapore.

A Celebrated Singer

Zubeen Garg was not just a musician; he was a cultural phenomenon. Over the years, he made his mark in Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi cinema, creating a body of work that transcended boundaries. In 2022, he had suffered a health scare when he sustained a minor head injury after falling unconscious at a resort in Dibrugarh. He was airlifted to Guwahati in an air ambulance and treated at a private super-specialty hospital, from which he recovered.

His rise to fame came with the unforgettable song Ya Ali from the film Gangster, starring Emraan Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut. The song’s nationwide success transformed him into a household name, and he went on to deliver chartbusters like Dil Tu Hi Bataa from Krrish 3. Beyond singing, Garg showcased his talent as an actor and director, with movies such as Kanchanjunga, Mission China, Dinabandhu, and Mon Jai achieving major success.

Just days before his tragic end, Garg had reached out to his fans on social media. On September 16, he posted a video on Instagram, inviting people to join the 4th North East India Festival in Singapore. In his heartfelt words, “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!”

‘Not an Age to Go’

Zubeen’s sudden passing left his fans and admirers across the globe in shock. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his grief in an emotional tribute, noting the singer’s untimely departure. “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 our minds and souls. He has left a void that will never be filled. Our future generations will remember him as a stalwart of Assam's culture, and his works will inspire many more talented artists in the days and years to come,” Sarma wrote.

In another emotional note, he added, “Beyond his music, his connection with people and passion for helping them will always be remembered. I will greatly cherish all my interactions with him. That magical voice has forever gone silent. Tragic beyond words! I grieve with my fellow citizens on the passing away of Zubeen. Rest well, Zubeen! You will always be Assam's favourite rockstar.”

Assam Has Lost Its Dearest Son

The news also drew heartfelt responses from many political leaders and admirers. Assam Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal wrote on X, “Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of our beloved Zubeen Garg. Assam has lost not just a voice, but a heartbeat.”

He continued, “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.”

Former Member of Parliament Ripun Bora also expressed his shock, writing, “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.”

A Life Beyond Borders

Born in 1972 in Meghalaya, Zubeen’s real name was Zubeen Borthakur. He later adopted his stage name by replacing his last name with his gotra, “Garg,” in the 1990s. His career-defining moment came in 2006 with the success of Ya Ali from Gangster, which launched him into national stardom. Over the years, he went on to contribute to Bollywood hits like Subah Subah and Kya Raaz Hai.

While he primarily worked in Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi music and film industries, his voice had no language barriers. He recorded songs in more than 40 languages and dialects, making him a truly versatile artist. For years, he was also recognized as the highest-paid singer in Assam, a testament to his unmatched popularity and cultural significance.