Tragic End for Singer Zubeen Garg After Scuba Diving Accident in Singapore

Celebrated Singer Zubeen Garg Dies in Scuba Diving Accident in Singapore.

Bollywood and Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg has died at the age of 52 following a scuba diving accident in Singapore. Garg was in the city for the North East India Festival, where he was scheduled to perform on September 20 and 21.

According to festival organisers, Garg developed breathing difficulties while diving. He was rescued and given CPR before being rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead around 2:30 pm IST (5:14 pm Singapore time). His body will undergo an autopsy before being flown back to Assam.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he was in touch with the Indian High Commission in Singapore to ensure the singer’s mortal remains are returned at the earliest.

Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta revealed that Garg had gone diving with members of the local Assamese community without the organisers’ knowledge. The team has cancelled the event following his death.

Garg, who rose to national fame with the hit song Ya Ali from Gangster (2006), sang in multiple languages including Assamese, Hindi, and Bengali. He also acted in and directed several films, becoming one of Assam’s most beloved cultural icons.

Tributes poured in from across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Garg would be remembered for his “rich contribution to music.” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called his passing “a terrible tragedy,” while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju remembered him as “a magical voice and versatile personality.”

Chief Minister Sarma described the singer as “Assam’s favourite rockstar,” adding that “this was not an age to go.” Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal said the state had lost “not just a voice, but a heartbeat.”

Garg’s last Instagram post, shared on September 16, had invited fans in Singapore to attend the festival.

His sudden death has left Assam and the Indian music industry in mourning, with leaders, fans, and artists calling it an irreplaceable loss.