Guwahati: Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg passed away on Friday at the age of 52 following a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore.
As per reports, Singapore police rescued him from the sea and rushed him to a nearby hospital. Despite being placed under intensive medical care, doctors could not save him.
Zubeen had traveled to Singapore for the North East Festival, where he was scheduled to perform today.
His sudden demise has shocked fans and the entire Assamese community, leaving a deep void in India’s music industry.
Tributes and condolences have been pouring in from across Assam, the Northeast, and beyond as people mourn the loss of one of the region’s most loved artists.
Condoling the death of the singer, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X, “Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am in a loss of words to describe what Zubeen meant for Assam. He has gone too early, this was not an age to go.”
“That magical voice has forever gone silent. Tragic beyond words! I grieve with my fellow citizens on the passing away of Zubeen. Rest well, Zubeen! You will always be Assam’s favourite rockstar, ” Sarma stated.
Born on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya, Zubeen Garg was a multifaceted talent whose contributions extended far beyond music. Son of Mohini Mohon Borthakur and the late Ily Borthakur, Zubeen was a singer, songwriter, composer, lyricist, music director, producer, actor, film director, and screenwriter.
He lent his voice to more than 38,000 songs across over 40 languages and dialects—a testament to his extraordinary versatility. From the soulful strains of Assamese music to the rhythms of Bengali tunes and the glamour of Bollywood, his legacy resonated far and wide.
He was celebrated for his distinctive fusion of folk and rock, electrifying stage presence, and command over 12 musical instruments, including the dhol, guitar, tabla, mandolin, and keyboard.
