Assam’s cultural heartbeat fell silent on Friday with the death of celebrated singer Zubeen Garg, who succumbed to injuries sustained while scuba diving in Singapore. He was 52.
Garg, whose songs transcended generations and languages, had travelled to the island nation to participate in the three-day North East Festival. Organisers confirmed that he suffered breathing difficulties during a dive and, despite being administered CPR and rushed to Singapore General Hospital, he was declared dead in the intensive care unit around 2.30 pm IST.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Zubeen Garg's passing. While scuba diving, he experienced breathing difficulties and was immediately given CPR before being rushed to hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared dead in the ICU,” festival organisers said in a statement.
The singer, best remembered for the chartbuster Ya Ali and Assamese classics such as Anamika, Monor Nijanot, Maya, Asha and Majulir Ejoni Suwali, also lent his voice to Bengali compositions and other Indian languages. He is survived by his wife.
Condolences poured in from across Assam and the nation. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was campaigning in the Bodoland Territorial Region, described the loss as “immense” both for the state and for India.
“Today Assam lost one of its favourite sons. I am at a loss for words to describe what Zubeen meant for the state. He has gone too early; this was not the age to go,” Sarma posted on X, recalling Garg’s unmatched ability to “energise people” with music that “spoke directly to our minds and souls”. The chief minister announced cancellation of BJP’s poll events for the day and said he was returning to Guwahati to review the situation.
Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal mourned “an irreparable loss for the state, the nation and the world of music”. Kiren Rijiju, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, said, “We have lost a magical voice and a versatile personality... His evergreen songs will inspire talented artists for generations to come.”
Gaurav Gogoi, Congress MP and party’s state president, hailed Garg as the “pride of every Assamese”. “I am left speechless by the news of the death of Zubeen Garg… His death is an irreparable loss for the entire music world and a personal loss for every Assamese,” Gogoi said, adding that the Congress has suspended all Bodoland Territorial Council poll campaigns for the day.
State minister Ashok Singhal called Garg “more than a singer; the pride of Assam and the nation”, while senior Congress leader Ripun Bora said his voice and spirit had inspired generations. Actor Adil Hussain described his contribution to Assamese culture as “extraordinary”. North East United FC also paid tribute, saying, “Assam has lost its heartthrob... His music will forever echo in our hearts.”
Garg’s legacy rests not only on his music but also on his bond with the people of Assam, a connection so profound that his death leaves behind a silence impossible to fill.
Also read: Singer Zubeen Garg joins search for director Ramen Barua
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