In a heartbreaking incident, acclaimed Assamese singer and music composer Zubeen Garg has passed away following a scuba diving accident in Singapore.
He was rescued from the sea by the Singapore police and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU. Despite intensive care efforts, doctors could not save him.
Industry Shocked
The entire Bollywood, particularly the music industry, is in shock over the devastating news. Singer Jubin Nautiyal took to his social media to remember Zubeen. Sharing a picture of him, he wrote, “Zubeen Garg ~ (18.11.1972 – 19.09.2025) Your music will echo in our hearts forever, a true talent gone too soon. Rest in peace. Condolences to the family. Shiv shiv shiv.”
Singer Papon also expressed his sorrow, stating, “This is so shocking! The voice of a generation! Gone too soon. At a loss for words! Lost a friend. Lost a brother. A big void. Praying for a peaceful journey of his soul.”
Music composer Pritam shared his grief in a heartfelt note on social media, saying, “Zubeen losing his life in an accident is just the most terrible and saddest news. I’m still trying to come to terms with it… My deepest condolences to Garima and his family. Om Shanti.”
Upcoming Festival
Zubeen had traveled to Singapore for the fourth North East India festival at Suntec, scheduled for the 20th and 21st of September. Just hours before the tragedy, the singer had shared a warm invitation for his fans on social media.
He posted a video inviting fans to the festival, stating, “Friends in Singapore, I would like to invite you to the 4th North East India Festival in Suntec, Singapore, during the 20th and 21st of September. Come and explore the exotic part of India. We are carrying quality agri-products, craft products, tea experiences, dance forms, fashion shows and evening musical shows presenting rock bands and rappers from India’s northeast.” He further mentioned, “I will be there throughout the festival as a cultural brand ambassador and will perform on the 20th evening with my popular Hindi, Bengali and Assamese songs. I would like to invite you all; it will be Saturday and Sunday, and entry is free. All come and support us. Cheers!”
A viral video shows Zubeen Garg in high spirits just hours before his untimely accident, enjoying live music and spontaneously joining a band for a performance with a close friend. This impromptu performance is now being remembered as possibly his last stage appearance.
Legacy of a Star
Zubeen Garg was not just a superstar in the North East of India; he was also the voice of Assam. His Bollywood breakthrough came with the timeless hit ‘Ya Ali’ from the movie ‘Gangster,’ released in 2006, which made him a household name across India.
For those unfamiliar, Garg’s younger sister, Jongki Borthakur, who was also an actress and singer, tragically lost her life in a car accident in February 2002 in Assam’s Sonitpur district while en route to a stage performance.
In her memory, Zubeen released the heartfelt album Xixhu later that year. He was married to fashion designer and costume director Garima Saika Garg.