Zubeen Garg Dies in Scuba Diving Accident in Singapore

Singapore, September 19, 2025 - Renowned Assamese singer and composer Zubeen Garg, 52, died today following a scuba diving accident off the coast of Singapore during his visit for the North East India Festival.

Nut Graf Garg, lauded for his Bollywood hit “Ya Ali” and decades of contributions to Assamese music, was attending the Suntec Singapore festival as a cultural ambassador. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through India’s music community and left fans in mourning across the Northeast and beyond.

Accident Details

  • While participating in a leisure scuba dive, Garg encountered distress underwater and was pulled from the sea by local authorities.
  • He was rushed to a nearby hospital and admitted to intensive care but could not be revived despite medical efforts.

Career and Legacy

Zubeen Garg emerged as a cultural icon in Assam and gained nationwide fame with:

  • “Ya Ali” from the 2006 Bollywood film Gangster, cementing his status in Hindi cinema.
  • Over 2,000 recordings spanning Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, and Tamil languages.
  • Roles as composer, actor, and philanthropist, championing social causes and regional arts.

Tributes and Reactions

  • Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal expressed profound grief, calling Garg “not just a voice, but the heartbeat of Assam.”
  • Fans and fellow artists flooded social media with video clips and personal tributes, celebrating Garg’s versatility and his unifying influence on North East India’s cultural identity.
  • Celebrations planned for the festival have been paused as organizers and attendees pay their respects.

What’s Next

  • Official confirmation and statements from Garg’s family and representatives are awaited.
  • Singapore authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the accident.
  • Memorial events and tribute concerts are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Zubeen Garg’s passing marks an irreparable loss to the Indian music industry and leaves behind a legacy of artistic excellence and cultural pride that resonated far beyond Assam.