Acclaimed singer Zubeen Garg passes away after scuba diving accident in Singapore
A versatile artist, Zubeen Garg rose to nationwide fame with his Bollywood hit “Ya Ali” from the film Gangster (2006)
PTC Web Desk: Renowned Assamese singer, composer, and cultural icon Zubeen Garg has tragically passed away in Singapore following a scuba diving mishap. The 52-year-old artist, who was in the city-state to attend the 4th North East India Festival, sustained severe injuries while diving and later succumbed to complications at Singapore General Hospital. He is survived by his wife.
According to the festival organisers, Zubeen Garg experienced sudden breathing difficulties underwater. Despite receiving immediate CPR and emergency medical attention, he was declared dead in the ICU around 2.30 pm IST.
The news of his death has left Assam and the entire nation in mourning. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, confirming the news shared by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, described it as an “immense loss to the state and the country.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sarma wrote, “Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. Zubeen has gone too early; this was not an age to go.”
Health Minister Ashok Singhal also paid tribute, calling him “the heartbeat of Assam” and noting that his voice will forever remain etched in the hearts of millions.
Just days before his death, Garg had shared a video on Instagram expressing his excitement about participating in the three-day North East Festival in Singapore, where he was to represent Assamese and Indian culture on the international stage.
A versatile artist, Zubeen Garg rose to nationwide fame with his Bollywood hit “Ya Ali” from the film Gangster (2006). Beyond Bollywood, he was revered across Assam and the Northeast for his immense contribution to regional music, cinema, and social causes, making him a true cultural icon.