India mourns the loss of one of its most beloved musical voices as Zubeen Garg, the legendary singer, composer, actor, and filmmaker from Assam, passed away at the age of 52 following a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore on September 19, 2025. Garg was in Singapore as the cultural brand ambassador for the North East India Festival, organized by the High Commission of India. His sudden demise has left a void in the hearts of millions across the country and beyond.
Tributes poured in from all corners of the nation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing shock and grief, calling Garg’s contribution to music “rich and unforgettable”. From Bollywood stars to regional artists, fans and colleagues alike remembered him as a voice that transcended boundaries, languages, and generations.
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Zubeen Garg: A Life in Music and Art
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zubeen Borthakur Garg |
| Birth Year | 1972 |
| Birthplace | Jorhat, Assam |
| Languages Sung In | Assamese, Hindi, Bangla, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi |
| Total Songs Recorded | Over 9,000 |
| First Album | Anamika (1992) |
| Bollywood Breakthrough | “Ya Ali” from Gangster (2006) |
| Awards | Rajat Kamal, Stardust, Global Indian Film Award |
Zubeen’s musical journey began under the guidance of his mother, Ili Borthakur, and later flourished under mentors Robin Banerjee and Ramani Rai. His versatility and emotional depth made him a household name across India.
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Career Milestones and Cultural Impact
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1992 | Released debut album “Anamika” |
| 2005 | Won Best Music Director for Bengali film “Sudhu Tumi” |
| 2006 | “Ya Ali” becomes a nationwide sensation |
| 2007 | Wins Stardust and Global Indian Film Awards |
| 2010s | Acts in and produces Assamese films |
| 2025 | Serves as cultural ambassador at North East India Festival |
Zubeen’s career was marked by constant reinvention, from playback singing to film direction, always staying rooted in Assamese culture.
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Tributes from Across India
| Personality | Tribute |
|---|---|
| PM Narendra Modi | “He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music.” |
| Armaan Malik | “I am devastated and in disbelief.” |
| Adil Hussain | “His contribution to Assamese music and culture is extraordinary.” |
| Jubin Nautiyal | “Your music will echo in our hearts forever.” |
| Himanta Biswa Sarma | “Zubeen always reached out to help those in need.” |
The outpouring of grief reflects Garg’s deep connection with people from all walks of life, not just as an artist but as a humanitarian.
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Zubeen Garg’s Legacy in Assamese Music
| Aspect | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Folk Revival | Reintroduced traditional Assamese melodies to youth |
| Language Diversity | Recorded in over six Indian languages |
| Film Industry Support | Produced and acted in regional films |
| Youth Engagement | Became a symbol of modern Assamese identity |
| Cultural Bridge | Connected Northeast India with mainstream audiences |
After Bhupen Hazarika, Zubeen Garg was widely regarded as the next cultural torchbearer of Assam.
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Fan Tributes and Social Media Reactions
| Platform | Sentiment |
|---|---|
| X (formerly Twitter) | “Zubeen da, please come back. You can’t leave us.” |
| “A true talent gone too soon.” | |
| “He gave us not just songs, but a sense of who we were.” |
Fans described him as more than a singer—he was a phenomenon, a voice that captured the soul of Assam and echoed across India.
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Final Days and Tragic Accident
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 18, 2025 | Participated in cultural events in Singapore |
| September 19, 2025 | Died in a scuba diving accident |
| Location | Singapore |
| Occasion | North East India Festival |
His death was sudden and unexpected, leaving fans and family in shock. He was actively representing India’s cultural diversity abroad when tragedy struck.
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Conclusion: Zubeen Garg’s Voice Will Echo Forever
Zubeen Garg’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian music, especially for Assam, where he was not just a singer but a symbol of pride, resilience, and cultural unity. His songs, spanning genres and languages, will continue to inspire generations. As Assam mourns its voice falling silent, the rest of India joins in remembering a man who sang not just with melody, but with meaning.
His legacy is etched in the hearts of millions, and his music will remain a timeless reminder of the power of art to unite, heal, and elevate.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, verified tributes, and biographical data. It is intended for informational and commemorative purposes only and does not constitute official confirmation or personal commentary. All details are subject to updates from family and official sources.
