Singapore: The music world is reeling from the devastating news of the untimely death of Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s most cherished singers, composers, and cultural icons. The 52-year-old artist passed away on Friday afternoon following a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore, where he was attending the 4th North East India Festival. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves through Assam, the Northeast, and music lovers across India and beyond, leaving a void in the cultural landscape that will be hard to fill.

The Incident

According to reports from local authorities and festival organizers, Zubeen Garg was participating in a scuba diving activity in Singapore on Friday, September 19, 2025, when the accident occurred around 1:30 PM local time. The singer reportedly encountered difficulties during the dive and was pulled from the sea by Singapore police. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for emergency treatment. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Garg succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after. Authorities in Singapore have yet to release an official report detailing the exact cause of the accident, but preliminary accounts suggest it was a freak mishap during the water sport.

Garg was in Singapore to perform at the North East Festival, a three-day event organized by Guwahati-based company Trends MMS to showcase the culture, music, and traditions of Northeast India. He was scheduled to take the stage on the evening of September 20—a performance fans were eagerly anticipating. The festival organizers expressed their profound grief, stating, “Zubeen Garg was not just a performer but the soul of our event. His loss is immeasurable.”

A Life Rooted in Music

Born Zubeen Borthakur on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya, Garg came from a family steeped in artistic heritage. His father, Mohini Mohon Borthakur, was a magistrate, lyricist, and poet who wrote under the pen name Kapil Thakur, while his mother, the late Ily Borthakur, was a singer. Named after the legendary conductor Zubin Mehta, Zubeen adopted the surname Garg from his family’s gotra in the 1990s—a name that would become synonymous with Assamese pride and musical excellence.

Zubeen Garg was a multifaceted talent: singer, songwriter, composer, lyricist, music director, actor, film director, screenwriter, and philanthropist. His versatility allowed him to transcend regional boundaries, contributing to Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and other regional music industries. Garg was known for singing in more than 40 languages and dialects, mastering 12 musical instruments, and leaving an indelible mark on Indian music. His soulful voice and dynamic stage presence made him a household name, particularly in Assam, where he was often referred to as the “Voice of Assam” and the state’s “heartthrob.”

He rose to national prominence with his chart-topping Bollywood hit Ya Ali from the 2006 film Gangster, starring Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, and Shiney Ahuja. The song became an anthem across India, showcasing his ability to blend raw emotion with contemporary appeal. Other Bollywood hits followed, including Dil Tu Hi Bataa from Krrish 3 and Jaane Kya Chahe Man from Pyaar Ke Side Effects, cementing his status as a versatile playback singer. His work in Assamese cinema and music, however, remained his most significant contribution, with countless songs that resonated deeply with the cultural identity of the Northeast.

A Legacy Beyond Music

Zubeen Garg’s influence extended far beyond his musical achievements. He was a cultural ambassador for Assam, using his platform to promote the region’s traditions, languages, and social causes. His philanthropy included efforts to support education, healthcare, and disaster relief in Northeast India.

Tragically, Garg’s life was also marked by personal loss. In February 2002, his younger sister, Jongki Borthakur, an actress and singer, died in a car accident near Tezpur while traveling to a stage show. In her memory, Zubeen released the album Xixhu, a heartfelt tribute to her. He is survived by his wife, Garima Saikia, an Assam-based fashion designer whom he married in 2002, and his sister, Palme Borthakur.

Tributes Pour In

The news of Zubeen Garg’s passing sparked an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow artists, and public figures. Former Rajya Sabha MP Ripun 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.”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to Twitter and said, “Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am at a loss for words to describe what Zubeen meant to 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. 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 Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal also mourned the loss, stating, “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.” Actor Adil Hussain, a fellow Assamese artist, described Garg as a “beacon of creativity and passion.”

Social media platforms, particularly X, were flooded with messages from fans, many sharing memories of his electrifying performances and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages. One user wrote, “Zubeen da was the heartbeat of Assam. His songs were the soundtrack of our lives.” Another posted, “From Ya Ali to his soulful Assamese tracks, he made us feel every emotion. This loss is unbearable.”

A Lasting Legacy

Zubeen Garg’s untimely death marks the end of an era for Assamese music and Indian cinema. His ability to bridge regional and national audiences, combined with his unwavering dedication to his roots, made him a unique figure in the industry. As fans and admirers mourn his loss, his music—spanning Assamese folk, Bollywood hits, and everything in between—will continue to resonate, keeping his spirit alive.

The North East Festival has been postponed in light of the tragedy, and arrangements are being made to repatriate Garg’s body to Assam, where his funeral is expected to draw thousands of mourners. Details regarding memorial services and tributes are yet to be announced by his family and the festival organizers.

Zubeen Garg leaves behind a legacy that transcends music—a testament to the power of art to unite, inspire, and uplift.