Key Points
- Renowned singer and Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg has passed away at the age of 52.
- He died following a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore on Friday, September 19, 2025.
- Garg was in Singapore as a Cultural Brand Ambassador for the North East Festival, where he was scheduled to perform.
- He suffered breathing difficulties while diving and was rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
- Tributes are pouring in from political leaders, the music industry, and fans, mourning the loss of a legend.
New Delhi: In a devastating blow to the Indian music industry, celebrated singer and Assam’s cultural superstar Zubeen Garg has passed away at the age of 52. The artist, known nationally for his blockbuster hit song “Ya Ali,” died on Friday following a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore.
Garg was in Singapore to participate in the North East Festival, a three-day event where he was a key performer and the Cultural Brand Ambassador. Just a day before his death, he had posted a video on Instagram, enthusiastically inviting fans to the festival. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the music fraternity and his millions of fans.
The Tragic Accident
According to a statement from the festival organizers, the accident occurred while Garg was scuba diving. He reportedly experienced severe breathing difficulties underwater. He was rescued from the sea and immediately given CPR before being rushed to Singapore General Hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived and was declared dead in the ICU at around 2:30 PM IST.
A Prolific Legacy
Often referred to as the “voice of Assam,” Zubeen Garg was more than just a singer; he was a cultural phenomenon. While his soulful track “Ya Ali” from the 2006 film Gangster made him a household name across India, his primary contribution was to Assamese music and cinema. Over a career spanning three decades, he reportedly sang over 30,000 songs in more than 40 languages and dialects, establishing himself as one of the most prolific and highest-paid artists in the region.
