Singapore/Assam– Renowned singer Zubeen Garg, celebrated for his chart-topping track Ya Ali, passed away on Friday following a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore. He was 52.
According to officials, Garg was taking part in a recreational diving activity when he fell into the sea. Though he was quickly rescued and admitted to the ICU, doctors were unable to save him. He had been scheduled to perform later in the day at the North East Festival in Singapore.
The news of his death was confirmed by Assam Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal, who paid a heartfelt tribute on social media. “Assam has lost not just a voice, but a heartbeat. Zubeen da was the pride of Assam and the nation, whose songs carried our culture, our emotions, and our spirit to every corner of the world,” he wrote, adding that his legacy will continue to inspire generations.
Born in 1972 in Meghalaya as Zubeen Borthakur, the singer adopted the stage name “Garg” in the 1990s, derived from his gotra. His breakthrough came in 2006 with the song Ya Ali from the film Gangster, which became a nationwide sensation. Over the years, he delivered several Bollywood hits, including Subah Subah and Kya Raaz Hai.
Beyond Hindi cinema, Zubeen was a towering figure in Assamese and Bengali music. Known as one of Assam’s highest-paid singers, he lent his voice to songs in more than 40 languages and dialects, cementing his place as one of India’s most versatile and beloved musicians.
Zubeen Garg’s death leaves a void in India’s cultural and musical landscape, with fans across the globe mourning the loss of an artist whose voice transcended borders.
