In a heartbreaking incident, the Indian music industry has lost one of its most iconic voices. Acclaimed Assamese singer and music composer Zubeen Garg, best known for his evergreen hit Ya Ali from the film Gangster (2006), passed away following a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore at the age of 52.
According to reports, Zubeen was rescued from the sea by the Singapore police and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU. Despite the doctors’ best efforts and intensive care, they were unable to save him. The news of his untimely demise has left fans and fellow artists across the country in deep shock and grief.
The entire Bollywood fraternity, particularly the music industry, is mourning this devastating loss. Singer Jubin Nautiyal took to social media to pay tribute to the late singer. Sharing a heartfelt note alongside a picture of Garg, 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, who shared a close bond with Zubeen, was visibly shaken by the news. Expressing his grief, he posted, “This is so shocking! The voice of a generation! Gone too soon. At a loss of words! Lost a friend. Lost a brother. A big void. Praying for a peaceful journey of his soul.”
Music composer Pritam, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, also shared his sadness. In his note, he wrote, “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.”
Zubeen had traveled to Singapore to attend the 4th North East India Festival at Suntec, scheduled for September 20 and 21. Just hours before the tragedy, the singer had shared a video on his social media inviting his fans to attend the event. In the video, Zubeen enthusiastically urged everyone to come and experience the rich culture of Northeast India, highlighting music, fashion, dance, and local products. He had also announced that he would be performing live on the evening of September 20.
In a heartbreaking twist, another video has now gone viral showing Zubeen enjoying a live performance and spontaneously joining a band on stage with a close friend, just hours before his accident. Fans are calling it his last magical performance, a bittersweet memory that will forever remain etched in their hearts.
A superstar in the Northeast, Zubeen was a true cultural icon. While he was already a celebrated figure in Assam, his soulful rendition of Ya Ali catapulted him to national fame, making him a household name across India.
Tragedy has struck Zubeen’s family before. In February 2002, his younger sister Jongki Borthakur, who was also a talented singer and actress, lost her life in a car accident in Assam’s Sonitpur district while on her way to a stage performance. In her memory, Zubeen released the deeply emotional album Xixhu later that year, which was widely cherished by his fans.
Zubeen is survived by his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, a well-known fashion designer and costume director. His passing leaves behind an irreplaceable void in the world of music, with millions of fans mourning the loss of a voice that defined an era.
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