India’s beloved singer and songwriter Zubeen Garg has passed away at the age of 52 following a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore on Friday.
Known as the “immortal voice” of Assam, Garg’s untimely death has left fans, fellow musicians, and leaders across the country in shock.
Scuba diving tragedy in Singapore
According to media reports, the accident occurred while Garg was scuba diving in Singapore, where he had traveled to perform at the North East India Festival in Suntec on September 20 and 21. He was rushed to the hospital immediately after the mishap, but despite doctors’ efforts, he could not be saved.
What was meant to be a moment of leisure turned into a devastating tragedy. The singer had personally invited his fans on social media to attend his performance, promising an evening filled with Hindi, Bengali, and Assamese songs with free entry.
Nation mourns loss
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma offered his condolences, calling Zubeen Garg an “immortal voice” whose contribution to Assamese music and culture would forever remain unmatched.
হে শিল্পী, তোমালৈ অশ্ৰুসিক্ত শ্ৰদ্ধাঞ্জলি..
— Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam) September 19, 2025
অমৰ কণ্ঠ হৈ সকলোৰে হৃদয়ত ৰৈ যাব জুবিন গাৰ্গ।
The immortal voice will remain in everyone's heart, Zubeen Garg. pic.twitter.com/u3YahOomf8
Actor Adil Hussain expressed his “devastation and shock” at the loss, writing, “Goodbye Zubeen. Until we meet on the other side. Keep singing with your beautiful voice and make Gods happy.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also posted a message on his official X account, expressing shock at 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," Modi tweeted.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 19, 2025
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolences.
The passing of Zubeen Garg is a terrible tragedy. His voice defined a generation, and his talent was truly unmatched.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 19, 2025
He overcame personal tragedies to reshape the landscape of Assamese music. His perseverance and courage have left an enduring mark.
He will live on in our… pic.twitter.com/aijxHsnosY
Renowned music composer Pritam, who collaborated with Garg on the iconic Bollywood hit “Ya Ali” from Gangster (2006), said he was still trying to process the heartbreaking news. Singer Jubin Nautiyal also shared his grief, writing, “Your music will echo in our hearts forever. A true talent gone too soon.”
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Musical legacy that lives on
Zubeen Garg’s career began at the age of three, with his passion for music nurtured from early childhood. His debut Assamese album Anamika in 1992 became an instant success, followed by other popular records such as Maya, Zubeenor Gaan, Xabda, Pakhi, Shishu, and Jantra.
He later made his mark in Bollywood, lending his voice to films like 'Dil Se', 'Asoka', 'Kaante', 'Fiza', 'Vaastav', 'Krissh 3', and more. But it was Ya Ali that cemented his place as a national music icon, turning him into a household name across India.
Garg’s songs reflected the cultural identity and spirit of Northeast India. For many, his voice was more than music — it was heritage.
Personal life
Zubeen’s love story with his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, began with a letter she sent after listening to his albums Anamika and Maya. At the time, Garima was studying in Bombay and struggling with homesickness. Their bond grew quickly, leading to marriage despite initial resistance from her father.
End of an era
The sudden death of Zubeen Garg marks the end of a golden chapter in Indian and Assamese music. Fans and admirers from around the world continue to pour in tributes, remembering not only his voice but the emotions and memories it carried.
