Popular singer from Assam and youth heartthrob Zubeen Garg died while scuba diving in Singapore on Friday (September 19, 2025), organisers of a festival in the Southeast Asian country said.
He was 52, and is survived by his wife.
Garg sustained injuries during scuba diving, and was rushed to a hospital, where he died at the intensive care unit while undergoing treatment.
He had gone to Singapore to participate in the three-day North East Festival which was scheduled to begin on Friday.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Zubeen Garg’s passing. While scuba diving, he experienced breathing difficulties and was immediately given CPR before being rushed to Singapore General Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared dead in the ICU around 2.30 pm IST,” a statement issued by organisers of the North East Festival said.
Tributes to Garg
Reacting to the development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he received the news from Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita.
“It is a very painful news and an immense loss to the state and the nation,” Mr. Sarma said on the sidelines of a programme.
In an X post, he said, “Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am in a loss of words to describe what Zubeen meant for the state. He has gone too early, this was not an age to go.”
“Zubeen’s voice had an unmatched ability to energise people and his music spoke directly to our minds and souls. He has left a void that will never be filled. Our future generations will remember him as a stalwart of Assam’s culture, and his works will inspire many more talented artists in the days and years to come,” he added.
Mr. Sarma said that beyond Garg’s music, his connection with people and passion for helping them will always be remembered.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “We have lost a magical voice and a versatile personality… His evergreen songs will inspire talented artists for generations to come. I pray for his departed soul.” Assam Congress president and the party’s deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, mourned Garg’s death and hailed him as a “pride of every Assamese”.
ISL team North East United FC, in a statement, said, “Assam has lost its heartthrob… We mourn the passing of the legendary singer Zubeen Garg. His music will forever echo in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and countless admirers in this difficult time…”
Actor Adil Hussain, who hails from Assam, said Garg’s contribution to the Assamese music and culture was extraordinary.
“He will live amongst us through his songs… Dear Zubeen, I remember you with lots of love and fondness… May his singing soul rest in peace, and God bless his soul… Goodbye Zubeen… Until we meet on the other side… Keep singing with your beautiful voice and make gods happy,” he added.
