The tributes have been pouring in since the heartbreaking news from Singapore, and one of the most moving came from playback star Shreya Ghoshal.
On Instagram, she shared a quiet, heartfelt note for Zubeen Garg, capturing both the professional respect and personal affection so many felt for him.
Shreya Ghoshal called Zubeen “an iconic artist of our country, the mega star and a beautiful human being,” adding that she’d admired his craft and voice for years. In her longer message, she wrote: “Truly devasted with the news Zubeen Garg! An iconic artist of our country, the mega star and a beautiful human being. I have always been a fan of his artistry, his voice. Had the greatest fortune of working with him on a few iconic Assamese songs. Rest in Peace Zubeen dada ”
Zubeen, 52, died after a scuba-diving accident in Singapore. He had travelled there for the 4th North East India Festival, where he was scheduled to perform on 20 and 21 September.
While swimming from a yacht with members of the Assamese community and team-mates, he reportedly suffered dyspnoea and a seizure. He received CPR and was rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where—at around 2.50 pm IST on Friday—he was pronounced dead.
Back home, arrangements are under way to bring him to Assam for final respects. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared an update on X: “Sharing an update: I will be going to Delhi later today to receive our beloved Zubeen’s mortal remains from Singapore. From there we will immediately bring him back to Guwahati, hopefully by 6 am."
He added that Zubeen’s father and wife will first pay their respects at his home in Guwahati, after which the remains will be taken to Sarusajai Stadium so the public can say their goodbyes.
For countless listeners, Zubeen’s voice was a constant—crossing languages, bridging regions and soundtracking everyday life. Today, the silence feels heavy. But the songs remain, and so do the stories people will keep telling about the man behind them.
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