Renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, best known for his hit song “Ya Ali,” has died at the age of 52 following a scuba diving accident in Singapore. He was attending the North East India Festival where he was scheduled to perform.

After experiencing breathing difficulties underwater, he was rescued and given CPR but was declared dead at Singapore General Hospital. His sudden demise has left fans, fellow artists, and the Assamese community in deep mourning, with officials expressing heartfelt condolences.

A Versatile Musical Maestro Remembered

Zubeen Garg’s career spanned more than 30 years during which he recorded over 38,000 songs across 40 languages and dialects, including Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and Nepali. His breakthrough came with the 2006 Bollywood hit “Ya Ali” from the film Gangster, which won him the Global Indian Film Award for Best Playback Singer and brought him widespread national recognition.

Besides singing, he was a prolific composer, lyricist, actor, director, and a skilled multi-instrumentalist capable of playing twelve instruments such as the tabla, dhol, guitar, and harmonium. Zubeen’s music resonated across India, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers and making him one of Assam’s most influential cultural icons.

Incident and Widespread Mourning

Zubeen was on a yacht trip in Singapore when he experienced severe breathing complications, possibly a seizure, while scuba diving. Despite immediate rescue efforts and CPR, he was declared dead in the ICU of Singapore General Hospital. His body is being flown back to Assam, where preparations for his funeral are underway.

Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called him “one of Assam’s favourite sons” and said his music touched millions. The North East India Festival, where Zubeen was to perform, is now overshadowed by sadness across the region and beyond, with tributes pouring in from many across India’s entertainment and political spheres.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

Zubeen Garg’s untimely death is a profound loss that reminds us of the irreplaceable role artists play in shaping cultural identity and unity. His music transcended boundaries and brought comfort and joy to millions. In honouring his legacy, it is important to promote kindness and empathy within communities, fostering a spirit of peace and togetherness.