Famous Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, one of India’s most celebrated voices, died on Friday (September 19) at the age of 52 after a scuba diving accident in Singapore. Assam Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media, leaving fans and the music industry in deep shock.
According to reports, Zubeen was pulled out of the sea by Singapore police and rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite receiving intensive medical care, doctors were unable to save him. He was in Singapore to perform at the North East Festival, scheduled for the very day of his passing.
Tributes Pour In
Ashok Singhal wrote that Zubeen’s untimely death has left Assam and the entire nation devastated. He described Zubeen as not just a singer but a cultural icon whose music carried the emotions, traditions, and soul of Assam to global audiences. His songs, Singhal noted, gave joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging to generations of listeners.
Fans and fellow musicians echoed this sentiment online, calling his death an “irreplaceable loss” to Indian music. From soulful ballads to high-energy stage performances, Zubeen was an artist who connected deeply with people, transcending boundaries of language and region.
A Family History of Tragedy
What makes Zubeen’s passing even more haunting is the shadow of tragedy that had already touched his family years ago. His sister, Jonkey Borthakur, also a singer, lost her life in a road accident 23 years ago. On January 12, 2002, she died in Balipara near Tezpur while on her way to perform at a stage show with fellow artists. She was only in her early 30s.
The accident shocked Assam’s music community, and Zubeen carried that grief with him for years. Today, the parallel between the siblings’ untimely deaths—both at the peak of their creative journeys—feels unbearably poignant.
Also Read: Zubeen Garg’s timeless hits: From Ya Ali to Buku Duru Duru, how the singer redefined Indian music
Zubeen’s Musical Journey
Born in 1972 in Meghalaya as Zubeen Borthakur, he adopted the surname “Garg” in the 1990s, taking it from his gotra. His national breakthrough came with the hit song Ya Ali from the 2006 Bollywood film Gangster, which became a chart-topping anthem.
Over the years, Zubeen sang in more than 40 languages, including Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and Nepali. He lent his voice to memorable tracks like Subah Subah and Kya Raaz Hai, while also dominating regional music charts. He wasn’t just Assam’s highest-paid singer—he was its most recognizable cultural ambassador.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!