Guwahati, September 19: Assam’s iconic singer and cultural legend Zubeen Garg passed away on Friday at the age of 52 following a tragic accident in Singapore. Widely regarded as the voice of a generation, Garg leaves behind his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, and millions of fans across India and beyond.
The singer had travelled to Singapore to attend the North East Festival, but before the event, he reportedly met with an accident while scuba diving. Sources said the incident occurred between 1:00 and 1:30 PM, when Garg developed breathing issues underwater. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit, where he succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to save him.
A festival official present in Singapore confirmed that Garg collapsed during the diving session and was immediately taken to medical care, but could not be revived. The heartbreaking news was later confirmed by Union Minister Pabitra Margherita, who informed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Tributes poured in from across Assam and beyond. The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow, calling the singer “a rare talent and an irreplaceable cultural treasure,” and assured that the state would honour him with the highest respect. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi described Garg as “the pride and symbol of honour for every Assamese,” adding that his death was “an irreparable loss to the world of music” and to the cultural identity of Assam.
Known for his unmatched versatility, Garg lent his voice to songs across Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and several other regional languages. His music—spanning love, identity, and pride—became anthems for generations, cementing his place as one of the most celebrated artists of the Northeast.
In a heartfelt tribute, Garg’s office shared in Assamese: “হে শিল্পী, তোমালৈ অশ্ৰুসিক্ত শ্ৰদ্ধাঞ্জলি.. অমৰ কণ্ঠ হৈ সকলোৰে হৃদয়ত ৰৈ যাব জুবিন গাৰ্গ।” (“Oh artist, we offer tearful respects… your immortal voice will live in everyone’s heart, Zubeen Garg.”)
