Assam Mourns 'Ya Ali' Star Zubeen Garg’s Tragic Death in Singapore Diving Accident

Zubeen Garg, the iconic Assamese singer, actor, and director known for his soulful contributions to Indian cinema, tragically passed away at the age of 52 in a scuba diving accident in Singapore on September 19, 2025. The celebrated artist, who was in the city to perform as the Cultural Brand Ambassador for the 4th North East India Festival at Suntec Singapore on September 20 and 21, suffered breathing difficulties while diving. Despite immediate rescue efforts, CPR, and treatment at Singapore General Hospital, Garg was pronounced deceased in the ICU at approximately 2:30 PM IST.

Anuj Kumar Boruah, a representative of the North East India Festival, shared the devastating news with NDTV: “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 deceased in the ICU around 2:30 PM IST.”

Garg’s meteoric rise to fame began with his chart-topping Hindi playback song “Ya Ali” from the 2006 film Gangster, starring Emraan Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut, followed by hits like “Dil Tu Hi Bataa” from Krrish 3. His versatile voice resonated across Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi films, earning him a devoted fanbase. Beyond music, Garg excelled as an actor and director, delivering Assamese blockbusters such as Kanchanjunga, Mission China, Dinabandhu, and Mon Jai. His contributions extended to social causes, including flood relief and cultural preservation through his Kalaguru Artiste Foundation.

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In his final Instagram post on September 16, 2025, Garg enthusiastically invited fans to the festival: “Friends in Singapore, I will like to invite you to 4th North East India Festival in Sunctec, Singapore during 20th and 21st September. Come and explore the exotic part of India... I will be there throughout the Festival as Cultural Brand Ambassador and will perform on 20th evening with my popular Hindi, Bengali and Assamese Songs... All come and support us. Cheers!” The post now stands as a heart-wrenching testament to his vibrant spirit.

The news has sent shockwaves through Assam and India. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed profound grief: “Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons... Zubeen’s voice had an unmatched ability to energise people and his music spoke directly to our minds and souls. He has gone too early, this was not an age to go. His works will inspire many more talented artists in the days and years to come.”

Assam Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal mourned, “Zubeen da was more than a singer, he was the pride of Assam and the nation, whose songs carried our culture, our emotions, and our spirit to every corner of the world... Assam has lost its dearest son, and India has lost one of its finest cultural icons.” Former MP Ripun Bora added, “His voice, music, and indomitable spirit inspired generations across Assam and beyond. Rest in peace, Legend.”

Garg’s health had previously raised concerns; in 2022, he suffered a minor head injury requiring air ambulance transport, and in May 2025, he was hospitalized for chest pain. Survived by his wife, fashion designer Garima Saikia Garg, Zubeen Garg leaves behind a monumental legacy as Assam’s rockstar, whose music and charisma will continue to inspire generations.

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