Popular Indian playback singer and cultural icon Singer Zubeen Garg passed away on Friday in Singapore following a tragic scuba diving accident. According to reports, the 52-year-old artist fell into the sea while diving, was immediately rescued, and rushed to the hospital. However, despite medical intervention, doctors were unable to save him.
The singer was in Singapore to attend the North East India Festival, where he was scheduled to perform as the Cultural Brand Ambassador. Just days before the tragedy, he had shared a heartfelt video on Instagram inviting fans to the festival at Suntec, Singapore. In the video, he encouraged people to experience the diverse art, dance, crafts, and music from Northeast India and mentioned his upcoming performance on the evening of September 20.
Assam mourns the loss of Zubeen Garg
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep grief over Zubeen’s untimely death. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am at a loss for words to describe what Zubeen Garg meant for Assam. 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.”
The chief minister’s message reflects the widespread sorrow across Assam and the Northeast, where Zubeen was regarded not only as a musician but also as a cultural ambassador who carried the essence of Assamese identity to the world.
Zubeen Garg’s rise to fame
Born in Jorhat, Assam, Zubeen Garg began his musical journey in the late 1990s. He gained immense recognition with his debut soundtrack Jouboni Amoni Kore in 1998, which marked the start of a career spanning over two decades. His unique style, blending Assamese folk influences with modern pop and Bollywood, made him a household name across India.
His big break in Bollywood came with the chartbuster Ya Ali from the film Gangster (2006). Composed by Pritam, the song became a nationwide sensation, cementing Zubeen’s place in the Indian music industry. Another of his notable contributions was Dil Tu Hi Bataa from Krrish 3 (2013), which showcased his versatility as a playback singer.
Musical legacy of Singer Zubeen Garg
Throughout his prolific career, Singer Zubeen Garg recorded over 38,000 songs in more than 40 languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, and English. His discography ranged from Bollywood hits to Assamese pop numbers and devotional songs, making him one of India’s most versatile artists.
Some of his most popular tracks include Bhobai Nasilu, Runjun, and Agoli Anubhabe, all of which crossed millions of streams on various digital platforms. Zubeen was not only a singer but also a composer, lyricist, and actor, leaving an indelible mark on multiple creative fields.
On streaming platforms like Spotify, Zubeen commanded a strong following, with 2.1 million monthly listeners, proving his enduring relevance among younger generations of music lovers.
His last single was the English version of his Assamese hit Maya, released alongside Bhargav Ojapali. This project highlighted his willingness to innovate and explore new genres, even after decades in the industry.
Devotional music and cultural impact
Beyond Bollywood, Zubeen was deeply connected with his roots. He often performed devotional songs during Durga Puja, blending traditional spiritual music with modern arrangements. His unique renditions became widely popular during festive seasons, resonating with audiences across different age groups.
As a cultural ambassador for Northeast India, he played a key role in promoting regional art, music, and literature at international platforms. His involvement in events like the North East India Festival in Singapore reflected his dedication to showcasing the richness of Assamese culture to the global stage.
Tributes pour in for Zubeen Garg
Artists, fans, and politicians from across India paid tribute to the late singer. Music directors recalled his unmatched ability to connect emotionally with audiences, while fans described him as an inseparable part of their lives.
Film stars who worked with him in Bollywood remembered him as a passionate artist with an infectious energy. His sudden demise has left a vacuum in the Indian music industry that many believe will be impossible to fill.
The tragic death of Singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore marks the end of an era for Indian music. Known for his versatility, soulful voice, and deep cultural roots, Zubeen was much more than a playback singer—he was a symbol of Northeast India’s rich artistic heritage.
His journey from Assamese folk to Bollywood stardom, coupled with his contributions to devotional and experimental music, reflects the extraordinary range of his talent. While the world mourns his loss, his songs will continue to echo in the hearts of millions.
Zubeen’s legacy ensures that future generations will not only remember him as an artist but also as a cultural icon whose work transcended boundaries of language and genre.
