zubeen garg

 Zubeen Garg: Beloved “Voice of Assam” Passes Away in Tragic Incident in Singapore

Renowned Assamese singer, composer, and cultural icon Zubeen Garg died on 19 September 2025 in Singapore, following a tragic incident during a sea outing. He was 52. Garg was visiting Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival, an event aimed at promoting the arts, culture, and products of India’s northeastern states. The Star+4Moneycontrol+4India Today+4

What Happened: The Incident

There are varying reports on the exact circumstances of Garg’s death:

• According to many accounts, Garg suffered breathing difficulties while scuba diving. He was rescued, given CPR, and taken to Singapore General Hospital, but sadly, doctors were unable to revive him. India Today+2Moneycontrol+2

• However, Garg’s wife has reportedly refuted certain details, stating that instead of scuba diving, he had a seizure while swimming. He was among a group on a yacht trip, and after swimming, this seizure attack occurred. He was then taken to hospital, where he passed away. The Times of India+1

Additional details emerging include:

• He was not wearing a life jacket at the time. Crew members had advised him to, but he removed the life jacket, citing that it was oversized and uncomfortable. The Economic Times+1

• His body was found floating, and rescue efforts were made both at sea (by crew) and later at the hospital. The Economic Times+2Moneycontrol+2

• A post-mortem examination was carried out in Singapore. Once formalities are completed, his mortal remains are being handed over to Indian authorities for return to Assam. The Times of India+2mint+2

Zubeen Garg: A Cultural Icon

Garg’s contributions to music were immense and multi-faceted:

• Versatility: He sang in many languages—Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, and several regional dialects—earning him widespread popularity across India and in northeastern states. Moneycontrol+2The Star+2

• Memorable Hits: Songs like “Ya Ali” from Gangster, “Dil Tu Hi Bataa” from Krrish 3, and “Jaane Kya Chaahe Mann Bawra” illustrated his reach into mainstream Bollywood. In Assam and among regional music lovers, numerous other songs cemented his legacy. India Today+2The Times of India+2

• Beyond singing, Garg was also a composer, lyricist, multi-instrumentalist, and actor—someone who carried Assamese music into broader national consciousness. The Star+1

Community Reaction & Legacy

His death has triggered an outpouring of grief:

• Political leaders, peers in arts and media, and fans from Assam and across India have expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to his legacy. The Times of India+2The Star+2

• Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, said the state had lost one of its favorite sons, noting the void his voice and music leave behind. Conversations are underway to bring his body home to Guwahati so that the public can pay their last respects. India Today+2The Times of India+2

Open Questions & Clarifications

Despite multiple reports, certain details remain contested or unclear:

• Whether the incident was scuba diving or swimming involving a seizure. The Times of India+1

• Whether a life jacket was worn or removed. The Economic Times+1

• The precise sequence of medical response and exactly when breathing difficulties or seizure occurred. India Today+1

Conclusion

Zubeen Garg’s sudden passing is a massive loss—not just for Assamese music, but for Indian music as a whole. His ability to straddle regional and mainstream, to sing in many voices, to touch listeners with emotion and cultural pride, made him an icon. While questions remain about the exact circumstances of his last moments, what remains indisputable is the void his departure creates—yet also the music and memories he leaves behind.