Legendary Singer Zubeen Garg Dies at 52 in Tragic Scuba Diving Accident

New Delhi: India is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved musical icons, Zubeen Garg, who tragically passed away at the age of 52 following a scuba diving accident in Singapore on Friday. Widely revered as the “immortal voice of Assam,” Garg’s sudden death has sent shockwaves across the country, leaving fans, artists, and leaders heartbroken.

The fatal accident occurred while Garg was scuba diving during a short break in Singapore, where he was scheduled to headline the North East India Festival at Suntec on September 20 and 21. According to media reports, the singer was pulled from the water and rushed to a hospital, but succumbed despite emergency efforts by medical staff.

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What was intended to be a vibrant celebration of Northeast Indian culture has turned into a moment of deep national grief. Just days earlier, Zubeen had personally invited fans via social media to attend his Singapore performance, promising an evening filled with his signature mix of Hindi, Bengali, and Assamese songs—with free entry for all.

Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led the tributes, calling Garg an “eternal voice” whose contribution to Assamese music will remain unmatched.

“অমৰ কণ্ঠ হৈ সকলোৰে হৃদয়ত ৰৈ যাব জুবিন গাৰ্গ।”
(“The immortal voice will remain in everyone’s heart, Zubeen Garg.”)

Actor Adil Hussain wrote:

“Goodbye Zubeen. Until we meet on the other side. Keep singing with your beautiful voice and make Gods happy.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter):

“Shocked by the sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg. He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music. His renditions were very popular among people across all walks of life. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also shared a heartfelt tribute, stating:

“His voice defined a generation. He overcame personal tragedies to reshape the landscape of Assamese music. His perseverance and courage have left an enduring mark.”

Zubeen Garg rose to national fame with the chart-topping “Ya Ali” from the film Gangster (2006), composed by Pritam, who shared that he was “still trying to process the heartbreaking news.”

Fellow singer Jubin Nautiyal added:

“Your music will echo in our hearts forever. A true talent gone too soon.”

Throughout his decades-long career, Garg recorded thousands of songs in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and several regional languages, becoming a cultural icon in the Northeast and beyond. A singer, composer, lyricist, and actor, he was also known for his outspoken activism and passion for Assamese identity and youth empowerment.

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