Assamese Music Icon Zubeen Garg Dies in Scuba Diving Accident at 52

by flickenta · Published September 19, 2025 · Updated September 19, 2025

Key Takeaways

Voice of Assam lost in tragic diving accident.
Died while preparing for North East India Festival.
🇮🇳 Nation mourns a multilingual musical legend.

Renowned Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, best known for his Bollywood hit “Ya Ali,” tragically passed away on September 19, 2025, in a scuba diving accident in Singapore. He was 52 .

Incident Details

Garg was in Singapore to perform as a Cultural Brand Ambassador at the 4th North East India Festival (September 20-21). During a recreational scuba diving session, he experienced breathing difficulties and was immediately rescued and given CPR . He was rushed to Singapore General Hospital but was declared dead in the ICU around 2:30 PM IST. Preliminary reports suggest the accident may have been triggered by cardiac complications exacerbated by diving conditions, though investigations are ongoing.

Background and Legacy

Born in 1972 in Meghalaya, Zubeen Garg (real name Zubeen Borthakur) adopted his stage name in the 1990s and became a household name in Assam with his fusion of folk and contemporary music . He gained national fame with the soulful track “Ya Ali” from the film Gangster (2006), which catapulted him into Bollywood . His versatility extended to over 40 languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, and Nepali, and he was celebrated as Assam’s highest-paid singer .

Beyond music, Garg was a cultural force and philanthropist, advocating for social causes and representing Assamese identity on global platforms . His sister, Jongki Borthakur, also a singer, died in a car accident in 2002, a loss that deeply affected him.

Reactions and Tributes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “Shocked by the sudden demise of popular singer Zubeen Garg. He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music”.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma: “Assam lost one of its favourite sons… His voice energised people and spoke directly to our souls”.
Fans and Colleagues: Social media flooded with tributes hailing him as the “voice of a generation” and “heartbeat of Assam”.

Health Context

Garg had a history of health issues, including a recent hospitalization in May 2025 for chest pain. Medical experts note that scuba diving can induce cardiac events due to pressure changes and physical strain, particularly in individuals with underlying conditions.

Conclusion

Zubeen Garg’s death leaves a void in India’s cultural landscape. His legacy endures through his vast musical repertoire and unwavering passion for uplifting Assamese culture. The Assam government plans to honor him with a state farewell .

FAQs

How did Zubeen Garg die?
He died in a scuba diving accident in Singapore on September 19, 2025, after experiencing breathing difficulties underwater.
What was Zubeen Garg’s most famous song?
“Ya Ali” from the 2006 film Gangster was his breakthrough Bollywood hit.
What was Zubeen Garg’s cultural significance?
He was a multilingual icon and Assam’s highest-paid singer, advocating for regional identity and social causes.