Zubeen Garg, Assam’s cultural icon, died after going scuba diving in Singapore on Friday (September 19, 2025). He was 52.
Organisers of the North East India Festival 2025 said the famed singer, known for hits like Ya Ali from Gangster and Dil tu hi bataa from Krrish 3, died at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Singapore General Hospital around 2:30 p.m. Indian Standard Time.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of Zubeen Garg’s passing. While scuba diving, he experienced breathing difficulties and was immediately given CPR before being rushed to the hospital,” a note from Anuj Kumar Boruah, one of the festival organisers, read.
Garg was scheduled to perform at the festival on Saturday. The festival organisers said the event was cancelled following his death.
Born in Meghalaya’s Tura as Zubeen Borthakur, the late artist was a singer-songwriter, composer, lyricist, music director, music producer, actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and philanthropist. He sang mostly in the Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi film and music industries.
He is survived by his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, a fashion designer from eastern Assam’s Golaghat.
Garg shot to popularity with his debut Assamese album Anamika, released in 1992. A few songs from the album, Anuradha, Niyore, Mugdha Hiya Mor, and Gaane ki Aane, became chart-toppers. A string of songs thereafter — they included Xapunor Xur, Junaki Mon, Maya, and Asha — made him a heartthrob among the younger generations.
Condolences pour in
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was shocked by the sudden demise of the popular singer. “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,” he posted on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the “iconic singer, musician, and film personality” left a void that will never be filled.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma mourned the icon’s death. “It is a tragic and painful incident. I will discuss how we can bring his mortal remains [to the country],” he told journalists, after cutting short his campaign for election to the Bodoland Territorial Council.
Taking to X, he posted: “Today, Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am at a loss for words to describe what Zubeen meant for 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.”
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said the departed singer’s evergreen songs will inspire talented artists for generations to come, while his Cabinet colleagues Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita said his passing was an “irreparable loss for Assam, our nation, and the entire world of music”.
Mr. Sonowal also said he confirmed the singer’s death from Shilpak Ambule, the High Commissioner of India to Singapore.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party MP Rahul Gandhi said the singer’s passing was a terrible tragedy. “His voice defined a generation, and his talent was truly unmatched. He overcame personal tragedies to reshape the landscape of Assamese music,” Mr. Gandhi said.
Assam Congress president and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi said the singing sensation’s passing was shocking. “His music touched millions, capturing the spirit of Assam and giving voice to the emotions of the people. For decades, he stood as a cultural force, an artist whose songs will continue to inspire and unite. This untimely loss leaves a deep void in our musical and cultural life,” he said.
Garg had his roots in Jorhat.
Bodoland Territorial Council chief Pramod Boro, Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi, Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, and All Assam Students’ Union advisor Samujjal Bhattacharyya were among Garg’s “diehard fans” who posted condolence messages.
Published – September 19, 2025 04:02 pm IST
