Guwahati, September 19-23, 2025 — The Indian music industry woke to heartbreaking news today: beloved Assamese singer Zubeen Garg passed away at the age of 52 following a scuba-diving accident in Singapore. Known for his electric voice, regional pride, and versatile artistry across languages, Garg’s death has left fans, fellow artists, and his home state Assam in deep sorrow.
The Tragic Incident
Zubeen was in Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival. Reports state that during an underwater excursion, he experienced breathing difficulties. Despite rescue efforts and immediate medical attention, he was later declared dead at a hospital in Singapore.
The exact cause is being investigated, with preliminary information pointing to drowning. A second autopsy has reportedly been conducted.
A Legacy of Music & Multilingual Artistry
Zubeen Garg, born Zubeen Borthakur in 1972 in Meghalaya, was more than just a singer — he was a musical phenomenon. His repertoire spanned Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and over 40 regional languages and dialects. He was multi-talented: composer, instrumentalist, actor, producer, director, and lyricist.
Some of his most famous Hindi tracks included “Ya Ali” (from Gangster: A Love Story) and “Dilruba”, which introduced his voice to pan-India audiences. But for many, his deeper influence was cultural: he was a voice of Assam, a connector of identities, and a star whose musical expression resonated across varied cultural lines.
State of Mourning & Final Rites
- The government of Assam declared three days of state mourning in honor of his memory.
- Zubeen’s last rites were performed with full state honours near Guwahati, including a gun salute, amid crowds of grieving fans.
- His body was taken to Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Guwahati so that the public could pay their final respects. Ashes are to be immersed in Jorhat, and memorials are planned both in Jorhat and Guwahati.
Investigation & Questions
After his passing, allegations and controversies emerged:
- FIRs have been filed against the event organizer and the singer’s manager, suggesting potential negligence.
- Assam’s CID has launched a full-scale inquiry into the circumstances of his death. Multiple FIRs (over 50) have been registered across the state.
- There are also accusations of disrespect by some institutional bodies, including Tezpur University, for not observing mourning protocols properly.
Voices of Grief & Solidarity
Tributes poured in from across the country:
Cultural forums in Assam organized memorial events. In the Barak Valley, people gathered, sang his songs, and shared stories about what Zubeen meant to them.
Political leaders, fellow artists, and fans expressed that Assam — and India — has lost “not just a voice, but a heartbeat.”
